The Toyana family, from Khayelitsha in the Western Cape, struggled to hold back their tears as they described how their son's lifeless body laid on the streets.
Zolani Toyana (23) was found dead with stab wounds around his kasi in the early hours of Sunday morning. It alleged that he went out drinking with his friends when a fight ensued leading to his gruesome murder.

HE WAS WORTH MORE

Speaking to Zimoja his cousin Thembakazi Toyana said as a family they were struggling to come to terms with Zolani's death. She said they received news of his death from one of his friends from their neighbourhood who told them about what had transpired.
"We were told that he went out with five of his female friends to drink at a tavern called Waterfront. Apparently they were having gin and Zolani happened to break a bottle and they became angry and started assaulting him. Two of the girls had already left so three of them were involved in this."
She said if that was the case the girls could have simply come to the family and report the matter so the bottle could have been replaced.
"His life wasn't worth a bottle of gin or any other alcohol, that bottle could have easily been replaced but nothing can ever bring back Zolani." Thembakazi said when the alleged perpetrators were questioned they claimed that Zolani tried to rape them but it does not make any sense. "How can one person try to rape three girls, it's obvious that he wasn't going to succeed, although I don't condone rape, I don't believe this story. They are just making excuses for their actions," she said.

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NOT THE FIRST INCIDENT

Thembakazi added that Zolani's older brother Jomo died in a similar manner in August  2019 and he was also 23.
"He went to a tavern to drink and got into an argument with eight guys. They beat him to a pulp and stoned him to death. His eyes were gauged out and his mother picked them up from the street, his brain was also on the street and that's a sight we will never forget nor forgive. It's unfortunate because we never got justice for Jomo His killers are still somewhere out there,"said Thembakazi. She said she felt sorry for her aunt who has to endure this kind of pain for the second time.
She said people have been spreading rumours that they were willing to take an offer from one of the families on condition they don't open a case.
"We've heard that people claim that we were willing to allow the families of the suspects to pay for the funeral costs on condition that we don't open any cases. We have our own funeral policies, we will manage to give Zolani a dignified send off no amount of money can compensate for our loss," she said.

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A BUBBLY PERSON

Thembakazi said they will miss Zolani's energy as he was a born lover.
"He kissed everyone, including his male friends, and they knew that's how he showed affection. He was loud and laughed a lot.He got along with everyone and although he made mistakes like any other child, they were never extreme. The house is so quiet and tense without him, said Thembakazi.

POLICE CONFIRM

Warrant officer Joseph Swaartbooi said, "Khayelitsha police registered a murder case following the death of a 23 year old male on Sunday morning at about 05:15 on the corner of Maphongana and Eagle Streets, Site C, Khayelitsha." He said police members attended the crime scene where they found the victim with stab wounds to his neck. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The suspects are yet to be arrested.