Durban: Bhekisingcino German Myeza has been hailed a hero.
He was killed when he tried to stop an argument between his employer and another worker at the employer’s home on the Bluff on Friday night.
Myeza, 52, was stabbed in the collarbone near his neck. He died at the scene.
The other worker fled and is still at large. Police said the suspect cannot be named until a warrant is issued for his arrest.
Myeza’s daughter Nosipho said her family wanted justice.
“My father's employer called us on Friday night to tell us that my dad was stabbed. We were in shock. We left our home in Adams Mission to go to the scene but by the time we got there my father had died and his body was taken to a mortuary.”
She said they were told the suspect had a disagreement with her father’s employer.
"My father stepped in to calm the situation down when he saw that the suspect had a knife in his hand. My father quickly pushed his employer away and he was stabbed in the neck. The suspect ran away while my father bled to death. His employer called the ambulance for help.”
Nosipho said her father worked for the family for more than 20 years as a welder in their hardware store.
“He lived in a room on his employer’s property. He stayed there throughout the week and would visit us at home during the weekends. He had plans to visit us on Saturday and we were looking forward to spending time with him. My father was the sole breadwinner of our family. My mum and he have been married since 1996.”
Myeza had four children and six grandchildren. “Every day, knowing he is not here anymore is causing us so much hurt and pain. We are finding comfort in prayer and the support of our family.”
Nosipho said her father loved to help people.
“He was brave and strong. Although we wish this had not happened, we believe he is a hero. He prevented a man from being killed. He risked his life for someone else. We are proud of his selflessness.”
She said she prayed the suspect would be found. “I believe people were searching for the suspect but could not find him. We want SAPS to pull all their resources together to find my father’s killer. The suspect killed an innocent man who loved his family. We have been robbed of a great man.”
Myeza’s funeral is expected to take place on Sunday.
The employer declined to be named or to comment.
Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said a case of murder is being investigated by Brighton Beach SAPS.
“On October 15 at 8pm a man was stabbed by a known suspect in the Bluff.
“The suspect fled the scene after the incident. The matter is still under investigation."
The Post