A day before Phoenix priest Poobalan Munsami Naidu was killed, he had arranged to visit his children and granddaughter in Johannesburg before leaving for India.
Naidu, fondly known as Lenny, was found dead on Monday at the Eastbury Siva Alayam in Phoenix. He suffered multiple stab wounds and had his throat cut.
His cellphone and wallet were missing.
The 59-year-old father of two, who lived in Windermere, was one of the founders, chairperson and officiating priest at the temple.
Naidu's son Kershan Naidu said he had spoken to his dad last weekend when he confirmed that he would visit to spend time with the family and his granddaughter, Yuvania, who is turning two later this month.
"I was shocked to receive the news on Monday. We have become desensitised to crime but when something like this hits close to home it is hard to digest. We just need to know why someone did this. We need some sort of closure.
"As far as we know my dad never received threats. He was a good person, very community oriented, kind, loving and wanted to leave a person in a better position. His motto was to do seva," said Kershan.
He said his dad had been a priest for over 40 years and was called to consecrate a number of temples around the country.
"His interest in serving at the temple began in his youth. He travelled to India to expand his knowledge in priesthood and religion. He tried to visit India every year. He wanted to see my daughter before her birthday. He loved taking photos and videos with her and singing to her in Tamil," said Kershan.
Boston Chettiar, a founding member and trustee of the temple, said Naidu's murder was a shock to the entire community.
"We are currently doing some building work at the temple. A contractor was delivering material on Monday and found the doors and gates to the temple open but the Guru was not around. He called a devotee who lived close by and it was then that Guru was found dead in the container.
"His passing is a great loss and leaves a void in the community. He was highly learned and well versed. It would be difficult to replace him," said Chettiar.
The funeral will take place today at Eastbury Secondary School from 9am to 10.30am, thereafter proceeding to Clare Estate Crematorium hall 2 from 11am to 2pm.