By Aerusha Jenal Lalbahadur
The family members of the late Jackie Naidoo, 35, who was allegedly murdered in a gruesome gender based violence attack on 9 May at her home in Westham, are demanding justice and that her alleged killer, 28-year-old Shaun Naicker, be denied bail when he next appears at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court, this week.
Naicker made his first court appearance on Thursday, 19 May. He stands accused of killing Jackie and setting her flat on fire before fleeing the scene.
The late mother-of-one was found burnt beyond recognition after her home in Wareham was set alight and her birds killed, in the horrific act. Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, her brother, Deven Naidoo, 43, who was also present in court, said he is hoping that the story of his sister can help those who need to hear it.
He said: “My sister was an introvert, but to those who really knew her, they knew that she would go out of her way to help others. No matter who you were, if she was in a position to help she would. We are a family of four siblings and Jackie was the baby of the family, but I would say she was the strongest one of us all. We are hoping that through her story, others to take a stand against Gender Based Violence and avoid such situations. The main reason we are speaking out is so that people know that this will not be tolerated.”
Naidoo added that his nephew, who is 13-years old, is now orphaned, due to the alleged murder of his mother.
“My nephew told me that Naicker (the suspect) went to his school to pick him up on the day of the murder, but was not allowed due to the fact that he was extremely nervous. We are grateful that the school saw that something was not right and stopped my nephew from going with him. It’s absolutely upsetting to know that my nephew has to now grow up without his mother, when she was always there and has always provided for him to the best of her ability,” added Naidoo.
Prior to the murder, the late Jackie sought assistance in June of 2021, after she was brutally beaten allegedly by Naicker with a barbell. She beaten 13 times on her head, resulting in severe damage to her head and in need of ICU attention.
At the time, a gender based violence (GBV) organisation called, South African Outreach and Emergency Services, assisted Jackie with opening a case. However, the case was later withdrawn.
The founder and director of South African Outreach and Emergency Services, Tootsie Francis, who has been following this case closely, said she hopes to get the much needed justice for Jackie.
She said: “It is sad to see what has happened to Jackie Naidoo, we are standing in support along with the family and hope that we receive the justice she deserves after all that she has been through. We are hoping that those who are in the same situation take note of this case and get help before this happens again.”
Ward 52 Councillor, Samier Singh, who showed his support for the victim’s family at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court, said: “As the Democratic Alliance (DA), we stand against all types of gender based violence, especially against women and children. I attended court to show my support for the victim’s family. We want the justice system to work for the victims and not against them. I will also get assistance from my dawn leadership in KZN to be part of this process. We will continue to fight against gender based violence in all forms for the people in our communities.”
Phoenix SAPS Communication Officer, Captain Louise Naidoo, said: “Shaun Naicker, 28, has been remanded in custody at Westville Prison after he was arrested on the 9 May on charges of murder following the murder/arson which occurred in the Westham area. He made his first appearance at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court and was remanded back in custody. He will be reappearing on the 24 May, where he will be making a formal bail application.”
