Bishop Lavis – A wave of grief and anger has washed over Bishop Lavis after a popular delivery man was stabbed to death while on the job, leaving behind a family and community in mourning.
Misheck Sambani, 34, was delivering a gatsby shortly before 10am on Friday, September 7, when he was attacked by two heartless criminals in Valhalla Park. The assailants stole his cellphone and motorcycle, leaving him fatally wounded.
Colleagues of Sambani were left devastated when called to the scene. The owners of Azhaar Fisheries and Takeaways, Kulsum Salie and Mudassir Chikate, said they immediately closed their doors and informed his family of what had happened.
“The customer called to say what happened and we went immediately and we could see he was stabbed in the neck – and all for a cellphone,” said Salie.
Sambani had been a familiar face in the community, delivering food to customers with a smile and a friendly demeanour.
"He started when we started four years ago and he was the face of Azhar. The entire community loved him because of his friendly nature and his dedication. Even if their food arrived cold, they would not complain because they loved Misheck," Salie said.
"He came all the way from Malawi to come and work here for his family and even where he lived in Heideveld he was the sole breadwinner. He was more than an employee, he was part of our family and they took more than just a cellphone, they took away a precious life and a father," Salie said.
Sambani had been attacked before, but his dedication to his customers and his family kept him going, despite the dangers of the streets.
"He was attacked many times since we opened four years ago, but his dedication saw him take to the dangerous streets of Bishop Lavis and Valhalla Park for the love of his customers," Salie said.
Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, confirmed the incident and said Bishop Lavis police are investigating the murder.
“Bishop Lavis detectives are hard at work following up on information in a bid to apprehend the suspects, who are responsible for stabbing a Malawian foreign national in Tafelberg Road, Bishop Lavis, on Friday," Swartbooi said.
“According to reports, the victim was doing deliveries and was on his way to Shirley Road when two unidentified males stopped and robbed him," Swartbooi said.
"As the victim resisted, one of the men stabbed him with a sharp object. The victim sustained a fatal injury and was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The suspects fled the scene with the victim’s motorcycle into nearby Valhalla Park and they are yet to be arrested. The motive for this attack was robbery. Bishop Lavis police are investigating a murder.”
The community is reeling from the senseless loss of a hardworking man who was simply trying to make a living.
Sambani's employers have expressed their deep sorrow and have closed their doors as a mark of respect. They have also reached out to his family to offer their support during this difficult time.
Chikate said that staff had erected a cross at the murder scene and would this Saturday host a memorial service as Sambani was laid to rest in Malawi.
“He was like a brother, and so humble,” Chikate said.
The police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
