The community in and around the Road 1021 flats in Woodhurst outside Durban, was brought to a standstill on Monday after a well-known young man was brutally stabbed to death in what his family claim is a premeditated murder.

Kaylen Nair (20) was last seen alive by his family as he left his home in the early hours of Monday morning after discussing plans for his 21st birthday with his mother, Jessica Nair.

However, as daylight broke, his mom received the tragic news that her son had been killed.

“When I returned from work, we were talking and discussing his birthday. He was telling me what clothes he wanted me to get him. He wanted a full white outfit. Afterwards, someone was shouting for him and he left. Now, my only child has been taken away from me,” the distraught mother told the Rising Sun.

As the former Westcliff Secondary learner’s body was taken from a nearby flat, screams of despair were echoed as family members, friends and residents watched police carry him to the morgue van.

Communications officer of Chatsworth SAPS Captain Cheryl Pillay explained they arrested a 23-year-old man following the murder in Woodhurst.

“It is alleged that an altercation occurred between two males where they stabbed each other several times over an issue regarding money. The victim sadly succumbed to his injuries at the scene while the suspect remains in a critical condition at a local hospital under police guard. He will appear in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court in due course,” said Pillay.

The acting station commander, Col Moodley, condemned the heinous and violent act of criminality.

Nair stated that this was not an accident or simply an altercation – she alleges that her son was the victim of premeditated circumstances at the hands of multiple people.

“My son was strong and knew how to defend himself, so it could not have been only one person who killed him. If a fight had broken out between my son and these people, [then] neighbours should have heard the screaming, shouting and the breaking of objects. However, apparently no one knows anything, so neither do we. Furthermore, when we turned on his cellphones, we found that the SIM cards were removed and his messages were wiped,” said the 41-year-old mother.

In the aftermath, residents allege that the owner of the flat in which Kaylen was murdered, stood proudly and admitted to the killing, before being beaten by the angry residents.

“My son was a good boy. He was respectful and helped people wherever he could. In the area, he was known for his fun and bubbly nature, so for his life to be taken in such a way makes things more difficult. We hope that justice swiftly finds all those involved and that the truth is revealed,” concluded Nair.

Police are appealing to witnesses to assist them with their investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact Chatsworth SAPS on 031 451 4267 or alternatively, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.