The Zimbabwean community in South Africa is mourning the tragic loss of Pastor Marshal Ganyau, a young and prominent digital content creator, who was found murdered after being hijacked in Cape Town.
Ganyau, 30, was discovered dead on Monday, 2 September, just weeks after graduating from his theology studies in Zimbabwe.
Ganyau, who was well-known for his online platform “Bhoo Here TV,” had recently arrived in Cape Town from Zimbabwe. He had been visiting an acquaintance in Delft on Saturday, 1 September, when he was ambushed and abducted by three armed men.
The harrowing incident unfolded as Ganyau was greeting his acquaintance opposite a shop. Three men approached him, brandishing a gun, and forced him into his Audi car. The hijackers then sped off towards Philippi, leaving behind a stunned witness who immediately contacted Ganyau’s family.
“My uncle contacted the car tracker company and within one hour they found the car in Philippi where they were starting to strip the car and Marshall was not to be found,” explained Ganyau’s brother, Elvis Chibvuri.
The hijackers managed to evade police, and the car was taken to the police pound in Bellville South. Ganyau’s family, desperate for information, approached the police, but without concrete evidence of a hijacking, they were initially told to open a missing person’s case.
“We asked the police to escort the family to where it happened and talk to the woman. They said we must open a missing persons case,” said Chibvuri.
The family, heartbroken and desperate, began searching hospitals and mortuaries. Sadly, Ganyau’s body was found on Monday at Salt River Mortuary. He had been stabbed to death, his body discovered in Philippi, far from where he was last seen in Delft.
“He was found in Philippi, he was stabbed but he was hijacked in Delft. We have been trying to get to the mortuary to see his body, but we have to wait for the police and then the family can begin the funeral preparations,” said Chibvuri.
Ganyau’s death has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the Zimbabwean community in South Africa. He was remembered as a kind and gentle soul, a dedicated pastor, and a talented content creator who had a bright future ahead of him.
“Marshall was a content creator and he was a pastor as well and he had just arrived in Cape Town from Zimbabwe last week,” said Chibvuri, describing his brother’s passion for his faith and his digital platform.
His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by many immigrants in South Africa, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals who are new to a country and unfamiliar with its dangers. It also underscores the importance of safety and security, especially for those who are away from their home countries.
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirmed that they are investigating the case and awaiting feedback from the relevant police station. The Zimbabwean community in South Africa mourns the loss of a promising young man, whose life was tragically cut short by a senseless act of violence.
