Tributes continue to pour in for high profile Durban attorney Theasen Pillay, 47, who was found dead with stab wounds at his uMhlanga apartment on Friday last week.
Pillay, who did a lot of community work for the Phoenix community through his non-profit organisation TPA Humanity, allegedly left a suicide note at his offices in uMhlanga before his death. His partner of 16 years, Lisa Sukdev, has since denied the claims that Pillay committed suicide. “The man I know would never do something like that,” she was quoted saying in media reports on Sunday. KZN police spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala confirmed the incident, stating that an inquest docket was opened for investigation by Durban North SAPS. “The Durban North police received a complaint of a man who was found with stab wounds on Solstice Drive in uMhlanga Ridge. Police proceeded to the scene where a body of a 47-year-old man was found inside the bedroom with two stab wounds on the chest and on the left hand. He was certified dead by paramedics. The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated,” added Captain Gwala. Pillay was not only a successful attorney and businessman, but also a selfless humanitarian. He gave selflessly back to the community through feeding schemes, donations of groceries to destitute families and bursaries to deserving students which included fully paid school fees, uniforms and stationery. Pillay supported the community over the past two decades running free legal workshops, teaching senior citizens about their legal rights and recourse. It is this work that many in the Phoenix community will remember him for. On Sunday, 2 May, Pillay’s law firm celebrated its 20-year anniversary with the launch of his new branch office in Stanmore, Phoenix. Friends, family and colleagues paid heartfelt tributes to the well-known attorney.
Speaking to Tabloid Newspapers, chairperson of Grey Street Mosque, Dr AV Mohammed, stated: “We pray that God gives him eternal peace. He always referred to me as a good man and I’d like to say, farewell good man.” DLC leader Patrick Pillay described the attorney as down to earth and hard-working: “Earlier this month, I was honoured to have attended his legal practice’s 20th year anniversary. He was always driven by his humbleness and placed community above everything else. Our community will mourn Theasen Pillay’s loss for a long time. I want to express my condolences to his family and friends. May his soul Rest in Peace.” Former eThekwini Municipality Speaker, Logie Naidoo, added his voice, describing the death of Pillay as “shocking”. “I can’t come to terms that Theasen Pillay is no more. He was always at our events, smiling, socialising and enjoyed taking selfies. He was a dedicated lawyer and a great humanitarian who helped the poor and downtrodden. His memories will live forever.”
Private security company, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) spokesperson Prem Balram said they received a call from a relative requesting assistance. “Reaction officers and RUSA paramedics were dispatched to the scene and on arrival found Pillay in his bedroom. It was established that Pillay left a suicide note at his offices in uMhlanga prior to leaving the premises. “His employees discovered the note and called him. During a telephonic conversation, he assured them that he was fine and needed some time alone. They then informed his family and requested that they check on his well-being. “His brother proceeded to his apartment and gained access with a set of spare keys when he made the discovery,” claimed Balram. Community members also shared their distress through social media. On Facebook, Aaliyah Chaboo shared a post that read: “From the first time I met you, you’ve always had a smile. You were a role model to many, you were a kind and wonderful person with a heart so big always ready to help. My heart was ripped open from the devastating news to know that we had lost a humanitarian, a wonderful lawyer and a great friend. You will forever live in our hearts.” Sue Moodley posted on Facebook: “It was such devastation that we learn of your untimely demise. Words alone cannot express the sadness, my heartfelt condolences to your family and loved ones.” Theasen Pillay will be laid to rest on Wednesday, 12 May.
