Following the killing of nine-year-old Jecaidia Kalicharan and her parents, Jeconiah Pillay and Brandon Kalicharan, in a drive-by shooting on Human Rights Day, KwaZulu-Natal Police’s Anti-Gang Unit have been searching for suspects linked to the murder case.
On Saturday morning, 1 April, police spotted a vehicle fitting the description of the one used in the commission of the crime. Following this information, police went to a lavish home in Morningside where five suspected drug dealers were shot and killed during a shoot-out with police.
Drugs, money and firearms were seized during the sting operation. Two of the five men who were killed have been identified; one is an alleged kingpin from Wentworth who was allegedly on the run while the second person was a resident of Newlands East.
A resident of Wentworth, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “One of the notorious kingpins, Bevin Loftus, was gunned down on Saturday (1 April). Bevin, who was from Reiger Road flats in Wentworth, started his own drug ring and there were allegations of numerous murders for which he was wanted.
“Questions still haven’t been answered as to how they were tracked down, with pictures flying around on social media showing the deceased men. They seemed to have been having a relaxing Saturday, noted by their dress code. Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, was requested to come to the area by SAPS Wentworth, but he did not visit. He should not be selective with cases.”
Meanwhile, the alleged kingpin from Newlands East was identified as Raheem Ryan Santos. According to a resident, the father was also wanted by police.
KwaZulu-Natal police believe they have broken the back of a syndicate behind a spate of shootings and drug-related crimes in Durban. Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said that this follows the arrest of one suspected drug dealer on Saturday morning, 1 April, during an intelligence-driven operation.
He said: “Following the arrest of the suspect who is currently in police custody, further investigation led the team to an identified premises in Morningside, where five other suspected drug dealers were shot and killed during a shoot-out with the police’s Anti-Gang Unit.
“Five firearms – including three rifles and two pistols – as well as an undisclosed amount of drugs and money have been seized by police. The arrested suspect will likely face charges of possession of drugs, illegal possession of firearms and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.”
Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, said that this incident should send a stern warning to all criminals.
He said: “Well done to all involved. We have been having a challenge of shootings and drug-related crimes in KZN and these suspects are believed to be part of the syndicate that has been operating in Durban and surrounds.
“Good work to the team but there is more that still needs to be done, so we are definitely coming for more of them. The police’s forensic experts are still processing the crime scene. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) also attended the scene.”
