‘I finished for Dad’: Pageant queen wins title after father's tragic death
Marlon Manus, 40, was shot dead in Hanover Park.
Image: Supplied
A Hanover Park beauty queen has dedicated her new title to her dad, who was tragically gunned down on Saturday.
Keegan-Lee Croy, 19, affectionately known as Apple, showed her inner strength when she was told that her father, Marlon Manus, 40, was shot dead in Surwood Walk, Hanover Park, as she was on the way to the catwalk during the Western Cape Modelling Championships held in Bellville.
According to the police, Manus was shot at 3.30am and, before later dying of his injuries in hospital.
Apple, who does not live with her father, said she was only told of the tragedy while she was in the middle of the competition.
She explained: “I had already finished my casual wear and evening wear walk. As I was on my way to do my catwalk and interview, I got the call.
“I was in shock. I broke down in tears in front of everyone. All I wanted was to be by my dad’s side. I couldn’t think straight or focus on the competition.
“Then one of the judges who had judged me that morning, Jacques Gous, came outside to me. He gave me words of encouragement and told me, ‘finish your race for your dad, and then you can leave’.
“I dedicated my last walk to my father, and I did it to make him proud. My father would have wanted me to finish it.
“I did my walk and interview and went straight to the hospital while the competition was still on.
“That evening, I received the message that I had won my category.”
Keegan-Lee was crowned the winner in the 18-25 age category.
She took gold in the catwalk wear, evening wear, catwalk, interviews, and silver in photogenic and spokesmodel.
She was also the category winner in casual wear and interview.
Apple is the founder of Miss Hanover Park and the director and founder of Miss Cape Flats 2026.
She has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to society and has received numerous awards, including the African Children of the Year Awards and the South African Children of the Year Awards, for her philanthropy work and commitment to community safety.
The teen, who has a sister, said that despite losing her dad, she will always be a daddy’s girl.
She added: “My daddy was a God-fearing man who loved making jokes.
“He was my best friend, and I never pictured myself having to live without my daddy. I’ll always be a daddy’s girl, regardless if he's not here with me now. I know he is with me in spirit.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the fatal shooting.
He reported: “On May 23, 2026 at 3.30am, Philippi SAPS members received a call of a shooting incident outside a premises in Surwood Walk Hanover Park.
“ Upon their arrival they found a 41-year-old male with two gunshot wounds (one to his chest and one to the wrist). He was transported with a private vehicle to a nearby hospital.
“An attempted murder case was registered for investigation. He later died in hospital due to injuries sustained. The case docket was changed to murder.
“Motive is believed to be gang related. Investigation continues, no arrest as yet.”