The release of murder accused, Kevin Poonan, on R3000 bail has left the family of the deceased Crossmoor father of three, Nichalen Donald Naidoo, questioning the wheel of justice.
The Phoenix resident, Poonan, appeared at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court, on Wednesday, where he stands accused of allegedly killing Naidoo by running him over and dragging his body for about 200 meters outside his home on 6 May. Naidoo’s emotionally charged family, who were present at the court, were left angered by the decision after the man accused of his gruesome murder was granted bail by the court. Yashen Jeewanraj, Naidoo’s nephew, said the family was saddened by the outcome of the case and felt let down by the justice system. He said the family members, together with community, were present outside the court from 9am, only to be told that they were not allowed to be inside the courtroom after being given the run-around on when the bail hearing will start. “When we inquired about what time the case was going to be heard, we were told by the court they don’t know. When we managed to get into the court and we were confronted by an attorney, who asked us to leave saying we are not allowed inside. A few minutes later, we were told by a police officer that the case was over and that bail was granted. There is nothing we can do. We, as the community, have a murderer in our midst who is out on bail. This is an injustice to us all,” said Jeewanraj.
Poonam who was represented by attorney, Shireen Soobrathie, was arrested by members of the SAPS Chatsworth Serious and Violent Crimes Unit in Overport, while he was on the run from police. Chatsworth SAPS communications officer, Captain Cheryl Pillay, confirmed that investigations led police to a home in the Kenville area were police seized a Jetta which may have been used in the commission. It is alleged that Naidoo had approached the noisy passers-by who were causing a public disturbance outside his home by revving their vehicle and spinning its tyres in the early hours of 4 May. It is believed that Naidoo tried to explain to the people in the vehicle that residents were asleep and that they should tone down the noise, however, an altercation ensued and the driver of the vehicle knocked into Naidoo. Naidoo suffered injuries to his head, a broken hip, leg and fingers, and his ear was torn. Poonam is expected to reappear at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court soon.
