Two suspects aged 27 and 31 who were arrested for the murder of a Bonela resident, Keenen Pillay appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 3 October. The case was adjourned and the suspects are currently remanded in police custody. They will appear in court for their bail application on 18 November.
Twenty-year-old, Pillay was shot dead outside his home in Cardinal Close on 22 September. Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala said Cato Manor police received a complaint of a shooting and upon arrival, they were told that the victims were rushed to hospital. “A 20-year-old man was declared dead on arrival whilst the other two received medical attention. A case of murder was opened at Cato Manor SAPS for investigation. Two suspects aged between 27 and 31 were arrested and appeared before the Durban Magistrates Court,” she said.
The deceased’s distraught mother, Shobana Pillay said on the day of the shooting, her son came home from work and had a bath. “He ate and went to meet his friends on the road, just outside our home. He was sitting in the driver’s seat of his friend’s taxi listening to music. His friend was on one of the back seats with a third friend. From what I know, someone fired at them. Some people from the area then rushed them to hospital. I went to hospital and was told that my son did not make it. I collapsed as I couldn’t accept the news. I am still trying to come to terms with the fact that he is no more,” said Pillay.
She described her late son, Keenan as a hard-working person who loved his family. “Keenen worked for a shipping company. A year ago, I lost another son and no arrests were made. I want justice to be served for both my sons. The perpetrators should be locked behind bars and never be let out,” she said. Pillay said her son was business-minded and had planned to buy cars and start a e-hailing business. “As a mother I feel like the South African justice system only favours rich people. I am appealing to the community to help us get justice for my children,” she said.
