By Khanyisile Mbambo
Phoenix police have arrested and charged a 41-year-old man following the murder of a Phoenix father-of-two, Brian Pillay, whose body was found in an abandoned building in Sunford, recently.
The murder suspect, Trio Leon Goberdun, 41, appeared at the Verulam Magistrate’s Court and was remanded back into custody after he was denied bail. Pillay was found deceased in an abandoned building with several injuries to his body, which was also been partially burnt.
Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, family spokesperson, Mr PM Pillay said the they are devastated and want justice for the callous act. He said: “We are heartbroken and saddened by my son-in-law’s sudden passing. On Sunday, 22 May, after preparing to go to church, I received a message from a family member asking if I knew that Brian had passed away. Two weeks prior to his death, there was a rumour that he has died, so again, I thought that this was just another rumour and I didn’t believe that he had passed away. Nonetheless, I drove to the scene and was shocked at his state. His face was severely battered, his body burnt and he was lying in a pool of blood. It was a sad sight to witness. We asked if anybody had seen anything, and no answers were forthcoming”.
Brian had been living in the abandoned building in Sunford, with several other people. Pillay described his son-in-law as a quiet and reserved person who always avoided arguments and fights.
“I don’t understand how a person can take away the life of someone who was so loving and peaceful. Brian was a people’s person, a kind hearted and wonderful man who loved and took good care of his children. He didn’t deserve to die like that – my heart cries for my grandchildren who lost their mother a year ago and now their father. How can someone be so cruel,” said Pillay.
He added: “No child deserves to grow up without their parents. We want justice and the person responsible for Brian’s murder to face the full might of the law. We will not rest until justice is served.”
Ward 49 Councillor Tino Pillay who attended the scene said: “The senseless killing of the Phoenix father is totally unacceptable in our community. It is tragic and I’m sure the perpetrators will be brought to book as I’m led to believe there are some leads the SAPS may have regarding his murder. My deepest condolences to the family and I trust they will find peace in this trying time. I also want to note that the residents of Sunford Drive have repeatedly engaged with the owner of the property and myself on the vagrants living there. Crime has increased and at any given time there are approximately 20 to 30 vagrants on that property. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure his building is secure and free of illegal occupants. I will be taking this matter up with the Town Planning Department.”
Phoenix Communications officer, Captain Louise Naidoo confirmed the incident. She said: “The deceased was found with an open wound above his left eye. His body was set alight and it seemed as if someone tried to put off the fire with sand. Burnt boards were found next to his body as well as a broken bottle neck with blood on it. The deceased pants had been pulled down with his genitals exposed.”
Captain Naidoo said the murder suspect was arrested two days after the incident. “Constable Shaun Moonsamy successfully arrested Trio Leon Goberdun for the murder. Cst Moonsamy arrested the suspect after he fitted the description given to him by an informer. The station commander, Brigadier Zondi has expressed his gratitude to Cst Moonsamy who worked tirelessly on this case to find the suspect,” added Cpt Naidoo.
