Malawi killing: family waits for details

The five travellers at the top of the volcano at the virunga mountains. PICTURE: FACEBOOK

The five travellers at the top of the volcano at the virunga mountains. PICTURE: FACEBOOK

Published Jul 6, 2015

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Durban - The mourning family of a Ballito man who was shot and killed in Malawi, Harry Wakeford, are waiting for post-mortem results before making funeral arrangements.

According to a Sunday Tribune report on Sunday, Wakeford was killed during a scuffle at a camp site while on an expedition with friends in Karonga township, in the north of the country, at the weekend.

The newspaper said the group had travelled through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Rwanda to the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Wakeford’s son-in-law, Barry Chapman, told The Mercury on Sunday that Wakeford’s body was being moved to Lilongwe for a post-mortem.

One of the men on the expedition, former Glenwood councillor Warwick Chapman, told the paper he believed the motive for the killing was theft.

“With regard to the repatriation of him back into South Africa, we don’t have any further information yet. We have been in connection with the South African high commissioner in Malawi and, I would imagine, once the post-mortem is done we’ll receive more information.”

He said the family received the news of his death “30 minutes after it happened”.

Wakeford’s group included Warwick Chapman, Ballito resident Richard Chapman, Geoff Richardson of Pretoria, and Anne Croasdale.

They left at the beginning of June and were expected back home in mid-July.

Barry Chapman described Wakeford as “a happy, easygoing guy”.

“He was always laughing and never looked at anything in a bad light. He was always a positive man.”

He said the family were still in shock.

“It comes with a heavy impact. Definitely there will be some realisation when his body is returned back to SA. We’ll get a bit of closure then.”

Wakeford is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

Friends conveyed their condolences on social media.

Neall Wicksteed wrote: “We’re so glad we were able to host the touring group at the start of their epic overland journey. RIP Harry. We toasted you last night as we sat around the same fireplace with you and the others celebrating the start of the journey.”

Richard Chapman’s wife, Shirley, posted: “This has been a tragic ending for an amazing holiday. RIP Harry Wakeford. I’m glad I had the privilege of knowing you. Geoff Plug Richardson, Richard Chapman, Warwick Bruce Chapman and Ann, we can’t wait to have you safely home. Nicole, Daryl and Duncan I’m so sorry for your devastating loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.”

The Mercury

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