Johannesburg – The slain manager of Sakhumzi restaurant in Soweto’s famous Vilakazi Street was a true gentleman with a heart of gold.
“He was caring, warm-hearted, and an icon in the hospitality industry. He was a mentor and father figure for the staff,” the establishment’s marketing manager Archie Tsoku told News24 on Monday.
Tsoku said the 60-year-old’s murder had left a void in many lives.
He cannot be named as not all of his relatives had been informed.
The father of three was shot dead during an attempted robbery in the early hours of Sunday morning.
He was originally from Ghana but lived in the Transkei, Eastern Cape, for 25 years, where he worked as a teacher. He taught the restaurant's owner, Sakhumzi Maqubela, English at school.
“I will always remember him for his caring and loving soul. He had a huge impact on me on a personal level. He was someone I could share my future goals and ambitions with,” Tsoku said.
He said the family would travel to Johannesburg from the Eastern Cape this week.
Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela said two men entered the restaurant around 00:30 on Sunday, when the employees were closing up.
The manager denied them entry, saying the restaurant was closed.
"One of the suspects pulled out a firearm and shot the manager several times. He died on the scene."
They ran away without taking anything.
