'DADDY'S LYING ACROSS THE ROAD'

When a neighbour allegedly came to complain about the loud music, a row erupted - and then two shots rang out, fatally wounding Klaas while his little daughter looked on helplessly. His devastated mother recounts the events of that terrible night

- MEGHAN LAWRENCE

IT’S the kind of domestic scene that plays itself out in many homes. A young girl keeps busy while her father makes dinner, music playing as he unwinds after a long, hard week.

But this scene of familial bliss didn’t end with a sparkling kitchen and a sweet goodnight. In fact, what was meant to be a relaxing start to the weekend turned into a nightmare when Klaas du Toit was shot and killed, allegedly by a neighbour after an argument over loud music.

The shocking scene played out in Boksburg, Gauteng. Evan Swanson (72) is believed to have walked across to Klaas’ home at about 7pm on Friday, 18 August, to ask him to turn down his music.

An altercation ensued and Klaas allegedly followed Evan to his front gate where he was shot twice.

Klaas’ five-year-old daughter was in their home at the time and saw his lifeless body lying in the street. She remained inside the home because her father had locked the security gate behind him on his way out.

His stepfather, Dawie Potgieter, says they were notified of the tragedy after one of Klaas’ friends called his phone.

“Klaas’ child picked up the phone and told her, ‘Daddy’s lying across the road’,” he tells YOU.

The friend called Klaas’ twin brother, Roelf, who also lives in Boksburg. Roelf rushed to the scene where he found his brother lying in a pool of blood.

Klaas later died and his neighbour was arrested on a charge of murder.

Evan, who claims he’d acted in self-defence, was released on R5 000 bail. He will appear in court again on 23 October – a day before Klaas would have celebrated his 38th birthday.