It is the end of a chapter in the lives of many South Africans. We have lost a hero.
This was just one of many moving things said about Gito Baloi, 39, an icon in the South African music industry, during a vigil at his Kensington home on Sunday.
Baloi was shot and killed in central Johannesburg early on Sunday as he returned home from a gig in Pretoria.
His murder sent shockwaves through the music industry, with throngs of people and musicians flocking to his home to console his widow, artist Erica Hibbert.
Baloi, a celebrated bass guitarist, was a one-time member of Tananas, but later went on to form his own group, The Gito Baloi Band.
Police said Baloi was shot in the neck at the corner of Nugget and Kerk streets in central Johannesburg as he made his way home from performing at the Lucit Candle Garden in Pretoria.
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Johannesburg Superintendent Chris Wilken said Baloi stopped his car in Nugget Street at about 1.20am and struck up a conversation with a few people.
"As he was talking to the people, he was approached by two men who opened fire on him and shot him in the neck. He then drove for 50 metres and got out his vehicle, and walked for another 10 metres and collapsed. Only his wallet had been taken," he said.
Wilken said Baloi's killers left his car and his musical instruments untouched.
| 'Only his wallet had been taken' |
No one had been arrested in connection with the murder.
On Sunday afternoon, scores of people visited Baloi's home to pay their respects.
Dave Reynolds, a member of The Gito Baloi Band, described Baloi as "unique" and the "truest of people".
"He was a very uncomplicated man; I do not think he had double standards about anything. We have lost a hero. He was someone who devoted his life to making other people's lives better," he said.
Baloi's wife was too distraught to speak to the media. Lynn Hibbert, Baloi's mother-in-law, said her daughter was taking his death very badly.
Francois Venter, a close friend of Baloi's, described him as compassionate and kind.
"He was a very caring and wonderful father to his children and a very loyal husband. He had been a quiet and compassionate friend to me," he said.
Award-winning jazz singer Gloria Bosman said Baloi's death had come as a shock to her.
"Who would do this? He is not a person who would piss anyone off. He would never make anyone angry. It is a great loss to the South African music industry. I passionately feel it is a huge loss," she said.
Baloi is survived by his wife and two daughters, Lorha, eight, and Tiva, six.
- This article was originally published on page 2 of The Star on April 05, 2004
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