A prominent figure and crime-fighting force in the Bayview community in KZN, Seelan Pillay, was brutally gunned down in a drive-by shooting on Saturday.

Pillay was a man who wore numerous caps in both crime prevention and community upliftment, having been a former police officer in addition to holding the title of chairperson in the Bayview Community Policing Forum.

His death was in full view of the public in what was a brazen shooting outside a popular vegetarian fast-food takeaway.

According to reports, Pillay had just purchased food, and as he walked to his vehicle, which was parked outside the takeaway, suspects in a gold Toyota Fortuner opened fire on him, before fleeing the scene.

The victim’s brother, the distinguished MP Brandon Pillay, who was left shattered after the news of his brother’s death, shared an emotional tribute on Facebook.

“You were taken away from us so tragically, without a goodbye. Our family is left broken, our hearts are shattered. Please continue to keep our family in prayer. You will live on inside us forever. RIP, my beloved brother,” Pillay said in his post.

At the scene, friends and family of the victim were seen grieving over the loss of their loved one, while police cordoned off the gruesome site.

Communications officer of Bayview SAPS Warrant Officer Collin Chetty confirmed the murder.

“On October 8, at about 10:30, three men in a gold  Fortuner shot another man on Lenny Naidu Drive in Bayview. The victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The deceased was identified as Vispanathan Pillay, also known as Seelan. He was the chairperson of the Bayview CPF, a sub-forum to the mother body,” explained Chetty.

Amawele Emergency Services owner Claude Subramodey said: “We were called out to the scene after receiving reports of a drive-by shooting. The accident response unit arrived at the scene within minutes of the call to find a white Toyota Fortuner, riddled with bullets, parked in front of a fast-food shop. Upon assessment, we found a man, next to the driver’s side of the vehicle, lying on the floor. It was sad to see someone known to me in such a state after being shot multiple times Sadly, he had no signs of life and was declared dead at the scene. The police were contacted and the body was handed over for further investigations. I would like to send my sincere condolences to the Pillay family. The deceased, known to us as Seelan, was an active member in the Bayview community and a wonderful person, who was always there to help people in addition to being a mentor to me and my business. We really lost a role-model in our community.” 

Seelan’s funeral took place on Monday at the Umhlatuzana Civic Centre, with scores of community members and friends telling the story of his sheer impact in the community.

Bayview police are currently investigating a case of murder. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Captain Sathi Naidu on 082 411 6387. Alternatively, call 031 405 7204.