The man accused of killing Crossmoor father of three, Nichalen Donald Naidoo, who was allegedly knocked and dragged about 200 meters outside his home on 4 May, was arrested and appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court, on Thursday.
Kevin Ponnan was arrested by the members of the SAPS Chatsworth Serious and Violent Crimes Unit. He was remanded into police custody and is expected to reappear in court this week. Chatsworth SAPS communications officer, Captain Cheryl Pillay, said the 30-year-old suspect was on the run from law enforcement leading to the police making an appeal to the public for assistance in locating Ponnan. “Police immediately acted on information received on the possible whereabouts of the accused. They proceeded to Overport, were the accused was arrested. Further investigations led police to a home in Kenville 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 May 4. 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 ploughed into the deceased. Naidoo suffered injuries to his head, a broken hip, leg and fingers, and his ear was torn. Members of Naidoo’s family, as well as his friends and community members held a placard demonstration outside the courthouse and shared their heartache with those who rallied together to support them. Naidoo’s sister, Ragini Nadas, said her brother’s death has left an indescribable void in their lives. “My brother was a humble and respected man in the community. It is heartbreaking that his life was taken in such a brutal manner. We are praying that justice will be served and that the man responsible for his death will face the full might of the law. We hope that bail is denied. He must rot in jail.” Ponnan will appear in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court where he is expected to make a formal bail application.
