FOLLOW-UP: Community mourns as pastor Julius Dywili is found dead in Windmill Park
The victims, who bore multiple bruises, were discovered near a church on November 20. Four were declared dead at the scene, while the fifth succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. A sixth victim remains hospitalised.
Windmill Park community remains in shock after the tragic deaths of five men, including beloved local pastor Julius Dywili.
The victims, who bore multiple bruises, were discovered near a church on November 20.
Four were declared dead at the scene, while the fifth succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. A sixth victim remains hospitalised.
For the Dywili family, November 19 was meant to be a day of peace and family time. However, their lives were forever changed when two men knocked on their door at approximately 20:00 claiming to be looking for Julius.
Cynthia Dywili, Julius’ widow, recounted the chilling events that unfolded.
“It was normal for people to come looking for my husband, even at night, because he was always helping others. Though, that knock felt different,” she said.
Also Read: No clarity yet on grisly discovery of four dead, two injured men in Windmill Park
Cynthia said when the door was opened, two men accused Julius of assisting criminals.
“They said he was the culprit transporting robbers, which made no sense because he didn’t even own a car.
“The men then forcibly took Julius outside and I followed them to their car, pleading for an explanation, but they drove off with two other vehicles following behind.”
She said that she alerted the police and the following morning she received the devastating news that Julius was among the four bodies found at the scene.
“I went to identify him, but the other bodies were unrecognisable. I still can’t believe this has happened,” she said.
Julius was known for his kindness and dedication to helping those in need. In addition to his pastoral duties, he repaired furniture, assisted individuals seeking rehabilitation and was in the process of starting a funeral business.
The couple had lived in the Windmill Park area for over 15 years and raised three children together.
Cynthia described Julius as a “kind, respectful man who had no enemies.”
Pastor Herald Henk, the owner of the church near the site where the bodies were found, was deeply shaken.
“I have lived here for 33 years and never witnessed anything so horrifying.
“I was called to the come to the scene,” he said.
Deputy chairperson of Dawn Park CPF, Benjamin Visagie, confirmed that they were called to the scene at around 06:00 on the day.
“When we arrived, there were four deceased and two survivors. Sadly, one of the survivors died on the way to the hospital,” Visagie explained.
He noted that such incidents are unprecedented in the area.
“Crimes of this nature are usually associated with mining hotspots, not residential areas like this,” he added.
The police are yet to determine the motive behind the attack.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation by contacting their nearest police station, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS app.
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