The man accused of killing Actonville Hindu spiritual guru Roy Naidoo (66) on July 30 died on August 5.

This was confirmed by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Actonville SAPS station commander Colonel Mbhazima Maswanganyi.

NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said James Neelin (53), a resident of Caledon Street and neighbour of Naidoo, briefly appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on August 1.

“The police opened an inquest docket and began investigating,” said Mahanjana.

“The cause of death has not yet been made public.”

It is alleged that on the day of Naidoo’s murder, Neelin walked the streets, wielding a weapon described as a panga.

“He was swinging the weapon, screaming and ranting,” said Paul Apicella, who lives on neighbouring Paarl Street.

“Pedestrians were screaming and running in all directions. It was chaos. People locked themselves in their homes out of fear.”

Shanwill da Costa, a local youth who had been living under the mentorship of the Tamil priest for the past four years, said Naidoo approached his assailant to calm the situation.

“It seemed like he was getting through to him, but the man started swinging the weapon at Uncle Roy,” said Da Costa.

“The next minute, he was on the ground. I tried to help, but could not get close enough. I felt incredibly helpless.”

Describing the scene as gruesome, Anton Koen of NoJack Vehicle Tracking said said private security, local SAPS and members of the Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) responded to the incident.

Koen confirmed Neelin fled into his home after the incident, barricading himself inside.

“Following a brief exchange of fire, SAPS members tactically breached the property,” he said.

“He was on his bed with a gunshot wound. He was arrested and taken to a local hospital for treatment.”

Queenie Naidoo, one of the victim’s sisters, said that they wished Neelin’s family peace and comfort following his death.

“While we are still grappling with my brother’s death, we are also relieved that we do not have to undergo the trauma of lengthy court proceedings in pursuit of justice,” she said.

“Many questions will remain unanswered for both families. Our hearts are shattered, but we are focusing on healing from our loss. We hope the man accused of Roy’s murder can also find peace.”

Naidoo is remembered as a dedicated spiritual leader who served the community from his ashram (temple) for more than two decades.

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