Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

Vernon Philander confirmed on Twitter than his brother Tyrone was shot dead in the family’s hometown Ravensmead, Cape Town on October 7. In a statement issued on behalf of the Philander family, they declared that the murder is now under investigation and the family would acknowledge some privacy in this matter.

They said that the family is grateful for all the messages and condolences that they have received ever since the news broke. Vernon thanked everyone who offered support during this difficult time for the family.

“Our family is coming to terms with the brutal murder in my hometown of Ravensmead earlier today. I would like to ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time. The murder is now the subject of a police investigation and we respectfully ask that the media give the police the space to conduct a thorough investigation. There are no details around the incident at the moment and speculation will make it very difficult for us as a family to mourn in peace. Tyrone is forever in our hearts. May his soul rest in peace”, Vernon wrote.

According to the agency inputs, Tyrone was reportedly transporting a trolley with water to a neighbour when he was shot. An African News Agency (ANA) reporter said his distraught mother Bonita, accompanied by a family member, watched in horror as her son’s body lay in the street.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.