‘Dawan is with the angels’ – Funeral of slain Toekies pastor attended by thousands

A heartbroken community gathered at the Greenhills Stadium on October 14 for the funeral service of slain Toekomsrus pastor Dwayne Gordon, known by family as Dawan Rasheed Gordon.

The ceremony was attended by people from not just the West Rand and Johannesburg but as far as Mossel Bay, the Free State and Namibia. Thousands of admirers along with his family and friends gathered in the stadium on that Saturday morning to pay their last tributes. A live band also performed a string of worship music while the Toekomsrus choir along with Shazia, a well-known community church singer, performed a few hymns and songs that unified friends and family.

Friends of Dawan presented eulogies that certainly showed Dawan’s influence in the lives of many.

First Prophet Ezzy spoke. Thereafter Debbie Valentine from Mossel Bay, Ryan Malgas, Aldene Sengoatsi, Prophetess Melanie Goliath, Pastor Aljay Haskins, and Cerello Mokwang all gave messages. Elton Zakay then proceeded with a song. Wilson Qalinge, Pastor Des Moos and Dr Eden Constance continued with their eulogies.

Elwira Standili, singer and radio presenter, expressed that Dawan, a man of God, impacted the lives of many.

“He was impactful. People would know he was coming. Last week was a perfect example as the whole of South Africa stood at attention because the man of God had gone home. Dawan is with the angels, busy rejoicing,” she said.

• Also read: Manhunt launched for Toekies pastor’s killers

Pastor Jonathan Rubain claimed that the community will not be silent about the robbery and shooting that occurred at Eagles Christian Centre.

“We want to say to every criminal, let this be the last time because the church of God will not be silent. We will not be silent. Let this be the last time that you come into the house of God with guns. I’m from the Cape Flats and every week our young people die. Every time a young man dies a whole generation dies with him. We are not going to say that we are happy today, because the life of our brother has been taken away. I just want to say to his parents that it is never right to bury your own child,” Rubain said.

“I made arrangements for 3 000 people and only a few chairs were left open. It was a beautiful send-off for my brother,” stated Nicole Bronwyn Gordon, spokesperson for the Gordon family.

Condolences also streamed in as the funeral was broadcast live on Facebook.

Abigail Thebus expressed how thankful she was that Standili took the funeral services to live and that she wished comfort to Dawan’s beloved family and friends.

Many described it as a life that was taken far too soon.

Dawan’s obituary was read by Creflo Gordon. The obituary stated that Dawan was born on November 4, 2000. Dawan embarked on a remarkable cricket journey at Toekomsrus Primary where he was recognised as one of the most outstanding cricket players. He continued to excel in his cricket journey when he attended Hoërskool Noordheuwel. Dawan matriculated in 2018 and subsequently ventured into the field of real estate. At this time Dawan discovered his love for ministry.

The sermon was delivered by Pastor Leeron van Wyk and a vote of thanks was given by Layken Januarie.

The ceremony transferred to the Greenhills Cemetery where loved ones gave their final goodbyes.

A special thanks was given to the congregation and the Patriotic Alliance.

Pastor Gordon was preaching in Newlands on October 6 when a group of gunmen entered the church and opened fire. They then robbed congregants of their belongings. Police have since launched a manhunt for six men wanted in connection with the shooting and killing of Gordon.