Khader family fondly remembers a kind, creative son

These were the words of Afzal Khader’s bereaved mother, Janet, who is still trying to pick up the pieces after her son’s sudden and tragic death.

Khader’s death:

Khader was reported missing on March 4 after he was last seen leaving his home in Fernwood.

Belinda Ellor of the Newcastle Community Policing Forum said the CPF, along with the late Newcastle K9 unit’s Warrant Officer, Stanley Holloway, family members, and community members, launched a mass search on April 1.

A body was found in April along the banks of the Ncandu River near Khader’s home; however, at the time it was not confirmed to be that of Khader.

Instead, the body was said to be that of a woman and not a man; therefore, it could not be Khader’s remains.

Refusing to accept the results, Ellor, along with several other law enforcement officials, demanded that DNA tests be done to fully determine the possible identity of the body.

Following a post-mortem and DNA testing, SAPS was finally able to confirm that the remains were Khader’s and delivered the heartbreaking news to the Khader family on Monday, October 21, bringing to an end the seven-month search and allowing the Khader family closure.

Who was Khader?

Afzal Abdul Muthalib Khader was born on September 5, 1996, in the Dundee Provincial Hospital. He grew up alongside his siblings, Aatifa and Yovanka Khader, whom he shared close bonds with.

He started his academic journey at Suryaville Primary School and matriculated from St. Oswalds Secondary School – an achievement of which he was very proud.

Janet said that from an early age, her son showed himself to be a unique blend of sensitivity and kindness with a deep, introverted nature.

She recalls him being an extraordinary child; he was both social and introverted at the same time.

She reminisced about how he’d always wanted her by his side, especially when it came to venturing into the unknown.

“When he got cross, his familiar frown would appear, but with that said, he would never stay upset for long.”

For most of his life, Afzal had an immense passion for mechanical work, and when he wasn’t working on a car, he also enjoyed venturing into the arts of graphic design where he displayed his more creative and softer side.

Known as a people person, Afzal was at his happiest when he was around a pool table or on a soccer field where he would socialise with his friends.

“He was known for his friendly nature, and his joyful outlook on life helped make any family gathering that much more special.”

Janet described her son as never being judgmental, saying that no matter the circumstances, he always accepted everyone for who they were.

He also found immense joy in making those around him happy.

“He was happy as long as everyone else around him was happy… It is what made him so unique and so special,” she said.

When asked what she remembered and cherished most about her son, Janet said it was the way he was able to make everyone around him feel special.

“It was the warm and embracing hugs he showered the family with. It was the times he spent with his family, and it was the way he would always put his sibling’s needs ahead of his own.

“In a world that demands so much from us, he was able to teach everyone around him how to slow down and appreciate the beauty of simplicity and pure kindness,” she concluded.

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