Community Demands Justice for Slain uMhlanga Businessman “Justice for Shailen!” was the cry from supporters outside the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 3 January, as they wore shirts bearing the face of slain uMhlanga businessman, Shailen Singh. The supporters were calling for justice and no bail for those charged in connection with Singh’s murder.
Two suspects, believed to be brothers aged between 35 and 40 years old, made their first appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 3 January. They were alleged to have gunned down Singh while in his vehicle on Meridian Drive, uMhlanga, on 29 December.
Gareth Naidoo, the spokesperson for KZN VIP Security, said they responded to reports of a shooting. Naidoo said, “Sadly, a male was found in the driver’s seat of his bakkie unresponsive after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to the body. There was nothing more paramedics could do for the man, and he was declared deceased on scene.”
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said the suspects were arrested by the KZN Provincial Organised Crime: Murder and Robbery Unit detectives. He added that two vehicles, which were seen leaving the crime scene after the murder, were also recovered.
Singh, the owner of Shail Trans, a transportation company, was laid to rest on 1 January. He left behind his two-month-old baby, his wife, his family, and friends.
In a heartfelt video outside the court, Shailen’s father, Pradeep Singh, asked for a fair trial. He said, “All I want is a fair trial and bail to be opposed. The general (KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi) to oversee that this matter is handled with honesty and my son must get the justice he deserves; and justice for his two-month-old baby.”
Social media was filled with tributes following Singh’s death, with many praising the police for promptly capturing the suspects. One comment read, “Good job on tracing the suspects so they can face the consequences. The audacity of committing it in broad daylight though is shocking.” Another comment read, “We are grateful to the South African Police Service for the swift arrests. We hope for a successful prosecution and a strong sentence.” A third comment read, “I Hope Justice is Served. The loss of a young man is very sad. May his soul Rest in Peace.”
Following the matter being remanded for possible bail on 13 January, the National Prosecuting Authority said the State was opposing bail. “The accused will have to prove that exceptional circumstances exist for them to be released on bail,” they said.
