Funds raised to get murdered Zim teacher home
|Published
HOME BURIAL: Henry Chikutuva, 49, of Zim. HOME BURIAL: Henry Chikutuva, 49, of Zim.
The family of a 49-year-old Zimbabwean school teacher, who was shot and killed for his cellphone, has finally been able to raise enough funds to transport his body home on Saturday.
The teacher left his wife and three children behind after he was offered a job at the Bright Student Learning Centre in Summer Greens three months ago.
Henry Chikutuva was shot twice in the left side of his chest shortly after leaving his rented home in Delft for work last Monday.
According to witnesses and neighbours, five armed men came out of the bushes and demanded Henry’s cellphone and money.
There was a struggle and several gunshots were fired.
The men ran off over the field while Henry lay bleeding and died before paramedics arrived.
According to his sister-in-law, Florence Chigume, 43, he had lived alone in a flat around the corner from her Kershout Street home.
On Saturday a memorial service was held at Florence’s house.
JOURNEY: Henry’s body was loaded into a closed trailer. Picture: Jack Lestrade
Florence said Henry would be laid to rest in Zimbabwe but the family was struggling to raise the money to transport him home.
But thanks to donations from the community and Henry’s school, enough funds were raised to send him home by taxi.
On Saturday, his wooden casket was blessed, and loaded into a closed trailer which was hooked onto a Quantum taxi.
Florence says: “We would like to thank the neighbours and all those who have been supportive to the family in this difficult time.”
No arrests have been made yet and police urge anyone with information to contact Delft police on 021 954 9058.