Family seeks closure for Evelyn

Still reeling from the shock of Evelyn Daniel’s murder, her family reveals, in an exclusive interview, the events leading up to her death in the hope of finding some closure and to address certain speculations.

On the evening of April 6, Evelyn kissed her children goodnight. Little did they know it would be the last time they would see her.

In what is alleged by the family to have been a crime of passion, Evelyn and her ex-husband Colin, were both found dead in Evelyn’s flat the following morning.

The family’s version of events leading up to Evelyn’s death:

Evelyn’s sister, Julia speaks out for the first time about the events leading up to her sister’s death which she has pieced together from neighbours and work colleagues.

“It was a Saturday afternoon when Evelyn arrived at my home to drop off her children. She was working that weekend and left to return home in preparation for work the next day,” said Julia.

Evelyn’s work colleague arrived at 7.15am at the flat to fetch her for work as usual.

“Evelyn’s colleague told me there was no response at the door and her cellphone was off. The doors were locked and the curtains were drawn.

“Apparently, she waited for 10 minutes before eventually giving up and heading to work.”

However concern and a sense of foreboding prompted the colleague to return to Evelyn’s flat an hour later to check on her.

A lack of response caused panic and concern and the colleague decided to alert Evelyn’s family. Julia said they arrived at the flat and could not get inside.

“Thinking the worst, we immediately contacted SAPS and emergency services.”

SAPS had to break down the door and that is when they made the shocking discovery…

Colin, Evelyn’s ex-husband’s lifeless body was found hanging in the passageway inside the flat….

“At the time we did not know if Evelyn was okay,” explained a distraught Julia,
but a search of the flat soon led to the discovery of her body in the upstairs bedroom – she was unresponsive.

“In that moment, we didn’t think she had died. We hoped she was just injured and could be treated in hospital,” said a tearful Julia.

According to the recent postmortem results released to the family, Evelyn had haemorrhages on her face and there was evidence the cartilage in her neck was broken. The postmortem findings read:

“Consistent pressure on the neck by strangulation”

Family described the relationship between Evelyn and Colin as rocky and strained, which led to the couple divorcing around two years ago.

Julia said that despite her personal trials, Evelyn was an excellent mother and an independent career woman.

“Evelyn had a National Diploma in Hospitality and a National Professional Diploma in Education,” Julia said proudly.

A week prior to her passing, Evelyn was promoted to an Acting Senior Lecturer position at Majuba College.

“She received numerous awards in her career and was planning to buy a car and offer a comfortable life for her children.”

Evelyn’s parents, Charmaine and Gordon Dhavadas are now the legal guardians of the three children, and have relocated to Gauteng.

“The children are at present receiving counselling. They are enrolled in a new school and are trying to cope with the loss of their parents in their own way.

“They talk about their mother and how much they miss her,” said Charmaine.

Evelyn’s cousin Melissa, says the loss of Evelyn has left a void in their lives.

“We are stuck in the day that this happened and we can’t seem to move on. We’re in a state of limbo and finding it difficult to accept,” she revealed.

Condolences go out to both families of Evelyn and Colin during this difficult time.

Colin’s sister was contacted to share her story, but said she would only be able to do so once more details became available.

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