Family grieves untimely death of murdered Shavir Sunder

The families of Shavir Sunder and Suhayl Rambaran are still reeling from the shock of having to bury their young loved ones.

According to the Public Eye Maritzburg, 22-year-old ex-Newcastillian, Shavir was found in his Scottsville flat in Pietermaritzburg, allegedly strangled and tucked neatly into bed.

On-scene police confirmed signs of a struggle were evident and a belt had been used in the murder.

Police alleged Mr Rambaran (30) murdered Shavir, before writing a suicide letter claiming the two had been involved in a relationship, and requesting a joint cremation for them.

Mr Rambaran allegedly drove to a field in Shavir’s car before contacting his family members, telling them he was in trouble. He doused himself with diesel before setting himself alight. Reportedly, he passed away en route to Northdale Hospital, but family members said he survived for an hour and 20 minutes before passing away.

Mr Rambaran hailed from Estcourt, was his family’s only son, and was regarded as the ‘baby of the family’.

His sister, Sonetha, and brother-in-law, Rajesh Mungar, spoke to Escourt and Midlands News. Family members were bewildered that their caring and socially conscious brother would take his own life.

Mr Rambaran’s injuries were extensive and medical personal were allegedly hard-pressed to keep him alive. Apparently, he was in excruciating pain and begged for help.

“Suhayl was treated very professionally at the hospital and doctors did everything they could to help,” said Ms Rambaran.

He passed away at 9.15pm. “We can’t believe that this has happened; it was not like him. He was never involved in fights, had no criminal record and was a religious person. We don’t believe what has been reported in the national media; it is incorrect,” claimed family members.

The family also alleged they had never been given the chance to comment on several issues related to the matter. They further claimed many of the matters were not factual.

“The family has not even been informed about the alleged suicide note, which we were told was read by a journalist, or any evidence or developments in the case. We are in the shadows and trying to piece together the information we have. It was devastating for our parents to read about these false allegations on the day of the funeral,” said the family.

Contrary to what was believed, they said Mr Rambaran was employed at a store in Pietermaritzburg and apparently began work on Monday.

What drove him to allegedly commit these acts is still unknown.

Closer to home, friends of the Sunder family and community members have rallied in support, conveying messages of condolence and completely filling out the service venue during his funeral.

Shavir was described as wonderful human being, who always had a smile on his face.

“He was caring and loving, giving his all in everything he did,” said a friend.

Sunder family spokesperson and Shavir’s brother, Yasheer has asked for the family to be given time to grief.

“We are still grieving and coming to terms with the loss of Shavir.”

The family has asked for people to cease spreading rumours and speculation around the circumstances of the incident.

“The matter is still under investigation. Let justice be served,” said a family member with tears glistening in his eyes.

Calling on the community not to worry about the details of the incident, but rather concentrate on the fact that two people have lost their lives, the family have pleaded with not just Newcastillians, but every person who has heard of the incident, to respect their time to grieve.

Shavir was an intelligent student, who had one more exam to complete his degree in Psychology. Having achieved 11 distinctions to fund his studies, it was no wonder why lecturers, pupils and administration staff of Varsity College were shocked to hear about his death.

“Shavir was a spiritual, happy, respectful and intelligent child. This is what we will remember him for, because that is the way he lived his life. People should remember him for how he lived his life, how many people he helped, not create and spread rumours about the way he died,” said family members.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who grieve in their time of loss.