Saeed Maasarwe has been through a hell no parent could imagine in Australia these past few days.

And while he’s now on his way home to mourn with his family – it’s a family who are one daughter less than they were a week ago. His 21-year-old “angel” Aya cruelly ripped from this earth after she was raped and murdered returning from a comedy show in Melbourne last Tuesday, where she was studying as an exchange student.

He was flown to our country not to visit his daughter while she on the trip of a lifetime, but in response to the earth-shattering news that Aya had been killed. Killed on the streets of a country he believed would be safe for his little girl.

Saeed Maasarwe at a vigil in Melbourne. Image: Getty.

But before he boarded the same plane carrying his daughter's body home for burial, he gave a tear-filled interview onThe Projectthat deeply touched its viewers for one resounding reason.

His lasting message of hope.

Last week, 21-year-old visiting student Aya Masarwa was murdered on her way home. Much has been said about her death, so before they left the country, Aiia’s father Saaed and her cousin Sharef agreed to speak to @JamilaRizvi about her life and legacy. #TheProjectTV pic.twitter.com/ev6gle422f

— The Project (@theprojecttv) January 22, 2019

It was an interview many parents would refuse. An interview which would see many filled with so much hate towards the country that failed to protect their child, they couldn't face it.

Instead, Saeed sat down, wiped his tears, and described his beloved daughter as the girl with the 'special smile'.

"Even in the night, in the dark you have star. Even in the dark you could see light. This is what Aya was - she looked every time in the light, in the positive."

Her cousin Sharef added: "She is full of life, full of energy. So happy. Her smile makes you smile, her laugh makes you laugh."

Aya Maasarwe was on the phone to her sister when she was attacked in Melbourne. Image: Facebook.

Saeed then thanked Australians for their support.

And - with words that broke hearts across the country, wished for nothing but peace.

"I wish from our tragedy that people can change here a little. If this, our tragedy could make the world, make Australia also, more better and more beautiful and can save the live of more people. This is the message we want to send."

It left viewers wondering; if a man who has lost his own daughter in a cold-blooded, senseless killing, can speak with such grace, and embody such love, how do we live in a world so filled with hate and evil?

Saeed Masarwa had my mother and I in tears. The most beautiful man and father wishing a more beautiful, peaceful and safe world from the tragedy of losing his beloved daughter. If only every human was as dignified as you Saeed. #TheProjectTV https://t.co/IsI0aypV9I

— Ness (@Vanessa_Menser) January 22, 2019

What a beautiful man. Many in his shoes would be so angry & seeking vengeance. Yet he just wants the world to learn from this and be a better place. Aiia was a lucky girl to have such a wonderful dad! #RIP #theprojecttv

— MummaW (@mumma_w) January 22, 2019

If that doesn’t just absolutely break your heart all over again, I don’t know what will. #TheProjectTV #ripAiia

— m_larks (@m_larks) January 22, 2019

In tears watching @JamilaRizvi interview #AyaMasarwe ‘s extraordinary father on the @theprojecttv???? Saeed Masarwe embodies the very essence of Islam. May Allah swt ease his pain. ???????????????? #TheProjectTV

— Mariam Veiszadeh (@MariamVeiszadeh) January 22, 2019

The love & hope - not hate & pain Saeed Masarwa showed in the interview on @theprojecttv was truly touching & heartbreaking. The man has made the most unimagineable trip under horrendous circumstances to Australia - now the home trip is even worse. Just so so sad. #TheProjectTV

— Gavin M Keegan (@GAVKEEGAN01) January 22, 2019

This man has the right to be so angry yet all he displays and talks about is love. What an amazing man and father. RIP Aiia #aiia #TheProjectTV #LoveWins https://t.co/D0ehvLPr4c

— Amanda Tobler (@AmandaTobler4) January 22, 2019

20-year-old Codey Herrmann has been charged with Aya's rape and murder. He is a self-described aspiring songwriter and rapper who has multiple social media accounts featuring posts about drugs and depression.

He made a brief appearance at the Melbourne magistrates court on Monday, and will be remanded in custody until appearing in court again in June.