COVID-19 has seen the world take on the virtual world like never before. From work meetings to workouts, everything is taking place online. Kids and cats photobombing Zoom meetings have become the new norm, but seeing a fitness instructor shot dead whilst hosting a live workout class is the latest spine-chilling crime to shake the nation.
Whilst conducting a virtual workout class on Wednesday, November 10, Pretoria-based fitness instructor Lawrence Masinge was shot dead — with the entire class witnessing the shocking murder online.
Video footage which surfaced on social media shows Masinge being gunned down. Class participants are seen panicking and recording their computer screens with cellphones.
Last night Lawrence Masinge was shot while on a zoom meeting in the head and the suspects continued to rob the place but the number plate was seen on cameras. Please retweet and help raise awareness about this matter🤍 pic.twitter.com/lRYNBc6dud
— the Don (@Hottiie_Spaiinn) November 11, 2021
The instructor was passionate about uplifting and inspiring. He was part of Kids Get Moving, a government organisation endorsed by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture which aims to keep children fit and healthy.
“So heartbreaking what happened to Lawrence Masinge. If you were ever an active person living in Pretoria, you’d know him because he was so passionate about fitness. May his beautiful soul rest in peace,” says @ThandiAllSorts on Twitter.
Kids become what they see so let's start teaching our kids how to be active from an early age. #choose2bactive #sportsartsandculture #beactive #wellness #fitness pic.twitter.com/gWthFNicLv
— Lawrence Masinge (@LawrenceMasing2) June 7, 2021
Some of the victim’s clients took to social media to confirm the incident. He was allegedly shot in the head mid-class.
Last night I witnessed the most horrific scene ever.. … We were being trained by an amazing trainer Lawrence Masinge and he was brutally murdered live mid Zoom cardio session. I pray for his family to be comforted. We are robbed! 💔#justiceforlawrencemasinge
— Phuthi (@phuthi85) November 11, 2021
Our coach @LawrenceMasing2 was gunned down during an online gym class broadcast from his Pretoria home last night. I did not see it but we are all so traumatized. Rest In Peace #BlazingBeast #JusticeForLawrence #justiceforlawrencemasinge #LMFamily pic.twitter.com/whgotApw3m
— Gugu Mjadu (@gugumjadu) November 11, 2021
According to News24, eyewitnesses say that the incident was linked to a robbery.
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Picture: Twitter