Outpouring of love for farm attack victim
"Simon built schools that my children attended".
An emotional memorial service was held today at the Umhlali Methodist church for the late Simon Shepherd.
Shepherd was brutally beaten on June 19 by two men who forcefully entered his home on his farm in Upper Tongaat.
He was put into an induced coma and a ventilator last week after his condition deteriorated and he died on Tuesday night, July 12.
More than a hundred people gathered for today to share their last memories of a man who many described as “quiet and humble”.
Jabu Ngubenu who used to live in the township near Misty Ridge said with tears in her eyes that she could not believe that such a terrible thing had happened to such a wonderful man.
“Simon was truly great. I lived at the township until three years ago. Almost 30 years ago, there were no schools and no clinics in the area. Simon built schools that my children attended. He left that behind and he will always be remembered for the good that he did.”
Ngubenu said she could not believe that the men who attacked Simon were from her township.
“The men who hurt Simon should be brought back to the community and stoned to death.
“I find it difficult to imagine how someone could find it in them to have hurt him. He really did suffer.
“When I heard about what had happened, I wanted to visit him at hospital but he was in ICU and I was not allowed.
“My children got an education because of him and I will always remember him,” she said.
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