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Murdered dairy worker Saishwar Krishna Naidu has been described as the son every parent would wish for - hard-working, decent and respectful.
But the 22-year-old's life was cut short on Friday afternoon when he was stabbed to death as he worked in his parent's superette in Manurewa.
Mr Naidu's funeral service will be held today at the Manukau Memorial Gardens and hundreds of mourners are expected.
Family spokesman Narendra Gounder said Mr Naidu's body was returned to the family yesterday afternoon.
Manukau City Mayor Len Brown, Manurewa MP George Hawkins and Ethnic Affairs Minister Chris Carter have visited the Naidu family to offer their condolences.
"Chris Carter had a message from Prime Minister Helen Clark expressing her condolences ... it was a great help for the family," he said.
Mr Gounder described Mr Naidu as a very disciplined son, who was always willing to help his parents out.
Mr Naidu had recently paid a visit to one on his tutors from the Manukau Institute of Technology, where he was studying electrical engineering, to get advice on the next step he should take regarding his studies.
"He was a very well-respected kid. He wouldn't smoke, wouldn't drink, wouldn't mix around with the boys he shouldn't.
"I can't fault him at all. He was one nice guy ... he had a great future but now it's all shattered."
A 16-year-old, who cannot be named, has been charged with Mr Naidu's murder and appeared in Manukau Youth Court on Saturday.
He was remanded until tomorrow.
