On the helm of Father’s Day, on Sunday 15 June, one father will spend it mourning the son he can no longer embrace following the death of 35-year-old, Nico Naidoo who was brutally murdered outside his family home after a dispute over a parking space in Rydalvale, Phoenix.
The incident occurred on Friday evening, 30 May, when Nico was dropped off by a friend near his home. Due to the annual Phoenix fair blocking the usual access routes, they parked in a vacant bay near the front of Nico’s house. According to Nico’s brother-in-law, who spoke to the Phoenix Tabloid anonymously: “The suspects, who are Nico’s neighbours, approached the duo and insisted the car be moved. Nico calmly explained that the parking spot wasn’t owned by anyone and he lived there. A dispute ensued and things got tense but I stepped in and helped calm everyone down. They apologised to each other and walked away, but peace was short-lived.”
Hours later, at approximately 11:30pm, the same individuals returned, allegedly intoxicated and aggressive. They began shouting Nico’s name and allegedly using vulgar terms towards him and his parents from outside the property. “We tried to ignore them as they were intoxicated and hoped they would eventually leave. The situation soon escalated as they began banging on our pedestrian gate and then forced their way down the stairs to our kitchen door. As the situation worsened Nico’s father and uncle tried to force the intruders out of the property. Nico, realising the men were armed with weapons including a knife, baton and bottles, rushed outside to protect them, however one of them hit him with a bottle and another violently pushed him down the stairs,” the brother-in-law recalled, visibly shaken.
He said: “Nico landed head first on the concrete after he was violently pushed and was unresponsive. I believe they returned with the intention to kill him. I immediately carried him to my car and rushed him to Life Mount Edgecombe Hospital. After some scans, he was transferred to a ward in the early hours of Saturday, 31 May. We stayed beside him throughout the day until the doctors told us to go home and return the following day as visiting hours were over.” Tragically, the family received a call from the hospital on the evening of Saturday, 31 May, informing them that Nico had succumbed to his injuries.
“Only two of the four suspects – all of whom were armed with dangerous weapons were arrested. There were four assailents involved – they assaulted Nico’s dad and uncle. All our lives were in danger as all four suspects carried weapons on them, yet only two suspects have been charged. In fact, when police arrived at the hospital, I was told that more guys had come to the house to fight with Nico’s dad and uncle but were dispersed by police officers. They should have all been arrested. We are absolutely broken. Nico didn’t deserve this. We want justice to be served, not just for our family, but to ensure this kind of violence doesn’t happen to anyone else,” said the brother-in-law.
Nico’s father, speaking through tears, described his son as a kind, selfless man – the backbone of the family. “He was our provider and our strength. As a father, there is no greater pain than losing your child – especially like this. My son was taken from us in the most senseless way. He had so many dreams and so much to live for,” said Mr Naidoo.
The Naidoo family is now pleading for the community to stand with them in their fight for justice. “Nothing can bring Nico back, but we need to make sure that his killers are held accountable. We want the justice system to work – not just for Nico, but for every innocent life lost to violence. We won’t rest until our son gets the justice he deserves,” added Mr Naidoo.
SAPS eThekwini District communication commander, Captain Carmen Rhynes confirmed the case. “The suspects made their first appearance at the Verulam Magistrates Court on 2 June and then again on 6 June for bail application. They received R3000 bail each with conditions. Both suspects have been charged for murder and will make their third court appearance on 16 July.”
Nico’s funeral service was held in Wyvale, Phoenix on Wednesday, 4 June. He is survived by his beloved parents, three sisters and a host of family members who are still devastated by his untimely passing.
