Taryn “Blondie” Le Roux, a 48-year-old mother, was shot dead at Waxy O’Connors pub in Westville, Durban on 15 September following a domestic dispute.
Le Roux was allegedly shot three times by her 63-year-old husband, after an argument had broken out between the two.
Waxy O’Connors is a chain of Irish pubs with locations across KZN.
According to TimesLive, Le Roux’s husband is a former SANDF member turned mercenary, and was due to leave for Somalia on 20 September.
He is being treated as the main suspect, and was arrested shortly after the incident. He remains in custody pending his next court appearance at Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on 1 October.
Paying tribute to ‘Blondie’
Loved ones gathered at Harvest Church Umhlanga on Thursday for Le Roux’s funeral service.
Friends remembered her as someone with an infectious laugh, whose warm presence and energy filled the room.
“She would turn heads wherever she went with her personality; she just attracted people to her and she had the most amazing laugh,” said her close friend Michelle Handcock.
“She would always go out of her way to help a person.”
Since the tragedy, the Westville community has rallied around Le Roux’s family, with donations pouring in to ease the financial strain.
“From groceries and vouchers to cash donations, and even a tablet for her son’s studies, Westville has truly outdone itself,” said community organiser Tasmyn Molnar.
“This tragedy has broken our hearts, but it has also shown the power of unity and kindness.”
Irish pub incident puts spotlight on GBV
Le Roux’s death has also reignited calls to tackle gender-based violence in South Africa.
Activists have pointed to alarming statistics, with Women For Change noting that femicide rose by nearly 34% last year.
Women For Change have also released a petition to declare these issues a national disaster – urging South Africans to sign it.
Citing SAPS crime stats from April 2023 to March 2024, the petition noted that 42 569 rape cases were also reported.
