The man accused of bludgeoning his Havenside girlfriend to death with a four-pound hammer was sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty at Durban Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 May.
The body of the victim, Vyaksha Sookdew, who was 35-years-old, was discovered by police officers on the morning of Christmas Day in 2023. The accused, Sugendran Rodney Naicker, was arrested for petrol theft after leaving a petrol station without paying. While in custody, he revealed information which led police to the gruesome discovery of Sookdew’s decomposed body.
The victim, who was employed as an instrumentation technician at AECI Mining Chemicals, was brutally bludgeoned with a hammer on her head, and her hands and legs broken. Her decomposed body was found mangled inside a bin-plastic in the bathroom of her home.
The brother of the deceased, Vithashk Sookdew, said: “The Sookdew family acknowledges the outcome of today’s court proceedings in the tragic and senseless murder of our beloved Vyaksha Sookdew, who was brutally taken from us on 21 December 2023. While no sentence can ever bring Vyaksha back or erase the pain of our loss, we are grateful that justice has been served and that the truth has been acknowledged in a court of law. This verdict marks the end of a painful chapter, but not the end of our grief or our love for Vyaksha.
“Vyaksha was a vibrant, kind-hearted and cherished member of our family, whose life was cut short in a manner too cruel to comprehend. Her laughter, compassion, and strength touched many lives, and that is how we will remember her. The past 17 months have been a time of deep mourning, unanswered questions, and unimaginable grief. Her absence is felt every single day.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the investigating officers, the prosecution team, SA Outreach and Emergency Services, and all those who supported us in this fight for justice. We are also thankful for the outpouring of love from friends, community members and the public who have stood by us. As a family, we now seek space and time to continue healing. We will carry Vyaksha’s memory in our hearts forever, and we remain committed to honouring her life by advocating for justice, safety, and dignity for all victims of gender-based violence.”
Leisha Ramlall of SA Outreach Legal Wing and Ramlall and Associates, who was observing the proceedings, said: “Vyaksha’s murder was one of the most brutal and violent crimes, which still shocks our community. Everyone we spoke to during the handling of this matter described her as pleasant and beautiful. We are relieved that Vyaksha’s family does not have to endure a trial. While the sentence of 23 years does not bring solace to the family or our GBV team, her family can now begin to heal.”
Tootsi Francis, director of SA Outreach and Emergency Services, said: “This was a murder that sent shockwaves through the country. To some, her name is forgotten, but to many others, she’s a fallen queen. We welcome the 23-year sentence. The Sookdew family needed closure; now they can focus on moving forward. It has been extremely difficult for the family. For us, as a GBV team, our advice is: “Run back home while alive don’t go back in a body bag.”
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