A man accused of the heinous rape and robbery of a 68-year-old pensioner at her Eastbury, Phoenix home, appeared at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Monday, as angry protesters outside demanded ‘No bail for rapist’.
Police confirmed that the suspect, known as Garvin Pillay, is a known gardener who broke into the pensioner’s home late at night, held her up at knife-point before viciously raping her and making off with R1000 in cash from the victim’s handbag. Pillay was denied bail by the court and the matter was remanded to Monday, 15 March.
the family
Family spokesperson, Nancy Bridgemohun said the community is outraged and traumatised after the callous act. “Some need counselling as this has really affected all of us. Garvin Pillay deserves the heaviest and stiffest sentence for viciously raping an elderly woman who cannot defend herself. We are pleased that bail was denied and we will not stop fighting until justice is served and this monster faces the full might of the law. We are fed up of rapists and more needs to be done in protecting victims of rape.”
Community activist, Rafi Bux said that females must be protected whether they are kids or elderly people. “When this incident transpired, no-one came out to assist the elderly lady. When I was contacted regarding the incident, as a community activist, it was my duty to rally the community behind in support of the traumatised family. It was even more disappointing that some community members refused to sign the petition against bail for the suspect. This elderly woman lives on her own and it is our duty to protect the old and vulnerable. The suspect must be punished severely, we will ensure that we see this through till the very end – all we want is justice to be served,” added Bux.
Speaking to The Phoenix Tabloid, Phoenix CPF chairperson, Umesh Singh commended the community’s participation on the day of the bail hearing, the police for their swift arrest and the Verulam Magistrate’s Court for their decision to keep the suspect in jail. “This should serve as a strong message to people who are involved in similar activities. It is utterly despicable that a pensioner had to undergo such brutality. We commend the victim for breaking her silence and giving justice a chance to prevail,” said Singh.
