MUREHWA – Amapiano music blared from speakers while friends popped champagne on his casket as they bade farewell to Zimbabwean businessman Evans Katumba, who was kidnapped and later killed in South Africa in March this year.
South African investigators believe Katumba was killed on March 24 shortly after the family paid a R1.5 million ransom in a bid to secure his release.
Indications were that he had been shot dead before the ransom demands were made.
When his remains were eventually discovered, his body was badly decomposed but dressed in the clothes Katumba was wearing when he was kidnapped.
After Katumba disappeared his kidnappers had demanded a R2,5m ransom. His family and friends reportedly then put together 1,5 million, which they were supposed to drop just in Ballito, a coastal town near Durban.
However, while the drop was made, the kidnappers did not release Katumba as promised.
Known by the nickname Vardy, the 42-year-old got a resounding farewell as family and friends came together to mourn him in spectacular fashion.
In a video circulating on social media, mourners are seen gathered around his casket in Murehwa, as they sing Abalele by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa in full voice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9eNp_qqTLQ
While the businessman’s children are visibly distraught, his friends took the opportunity to toast a man who clearly enjoyed the finer things in life.
In February this year, he bought Yugo nightclub — one of Durban’s top clubs and the venue of what would have been popular rapper AKA’s last concert before he was murdered last year.
It is alleged that a week after he bought Yugo Nightclub, there was an attempt to hijack him while driving his R3,5 million Mercedes G63.
In another video, some mourners can be seen pouring champagne on his casket after it has been lowered.
