The brother of popular Hout Bay Superspar bakery supervisor Batanai Gwamani is still coming to terms with his sibling’s death, allegedly at the hands of Batanai’s wife, last week.
Batanai, 35, died at Victoria Hospital after being stabbed in Imizamo Yethu late on Wednesday December 7.
Police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Tanya Lesch said officers had been alerted to the stabbing at 11.30pm and told that the injured man was at the fire station.
“On their arrival at the fire station, they saw the injured 35-year-old Zimbabwean man, who was then transported to Victoria Hospital. SAPS were later informed by the hospital that he had passed away. A 22-year-old woman, the wife of the deceased, was arrested at her home in Imizamo Yethu. A case of murder has been opened, and she is being held in Pollsmoor Prison,” said Warrant Officer Lesch.
News of Batanai’s death sent shock waves through the Hout Bay community. Messages of condolence flooded local social media groups as residents paid their last respects to the friendly supervisor.
Speaking to the Sentinel this week, a devastated Wilson Gwamani, 22, said he had been shocked to hear of his brother’s death.
“My brother was a very nice guy. I didn’t think this could happen,” he said.
Batanai had been married for three years. His wife is also Zimbabwean.
Wilson said he was making arrangements to have his brother’s body taken home.
“I have also spoken to my father back in Zimbabwe, and he is very shocked.”
Given that his brother had supported him financially, Wilson is also desperately seeking work. Various social media appeals have been made on his behalf.
Hout Bay Superspar owner Simon van Nimwegen described Batanai as a “fantastic worker”.
“He started as a counter hand and then fell into his supervisor role with ease. When our production supervisor left, Batanai stepped in to help the new bakers. He never complained about anything,” he said.
“You very rarely come across people like him. He was just a fantastic guy. I know he was also very popular with our customers.”
Hout Bay residents are creating a journal for Batanai’s family with messages of support and condolence to be read at his funeral.
Milliana Kaowa wrote, “So sudden and shocking. May your dear soul rest in peace.”
Daniel Shoniwa described Batanai as “such a nice man”.
Elaine Mentoor hoped that his soul would rest in peace, and passed on condolences to family and friends.
Resident Bo Petersen was also shocked by his death, and passed on well wishes to his family.