While the country picks up the pieces in the aftermath following the unrest, rioting and looting of businesses which lasted for over a week, a Newlands West family is mourning the passing of their son, father and husband who was shot dead during the riots.
Newlands West resident, Shailen Singh, 26, was shot allegedly while trying to flee from looters on Monday, 12 July. Singh was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Family spokesperson and aunt of the deceased, Michelle Manilall said her late nephew was a technician for a local security company, Mzansi Security, and was on his way to work when he was shot. She said his tragic passing came a week after he celebrated his birthday. Manilall said the late Singh was married and had an eight-year-old son. “He had big plans for his family. He had planned to build a home for his wife and child as they were staying with his mother,” she said.
Singh was laid to rest on Tuesday, 20 July. Sector commander of Newlands East SAPS, Warrant Officer, L Lutchmiparsad said they are investigating a murder case following this incident. He added that during the week of the unrest, they have had two cases of murder at the station. “An 18-year-old teenager was also shot at the time of the unrest and police are investigating. We cannot link the murders to the unrest at this stage as investigations continue,” said W/O Lutchmiparsad. Community leader and Newlands West resident, Viresh Bhana, said: “On behalf of the community, we would like to express our deepest condolences to the families of all the citizens that have lost their lives during the unrest. The recent events in the past week will usher in a new dawn for our democracy. South African citizens will rise above all these challenges and will inspire and aspire to greater heights. We are glad that our government is making great strides in ensuring that the perpetrators behind the insurrection will be brought to justice.”
