A Phoenix mother is still searching for answers and justice a year after her teenage son was murdered by looters during the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal last year.

Tashleen Moodley says her family are still devastated after her son, Faybian, was shot in the chest. He was 17 when he was killed.

He died instantly after he, together with other residents, decided to barricade the road to protect the neighbourhood from unwanted criminal elements.

Moodley says, “My son used to frequent my mum’s house in Trenance Park and on the day of the tragic incident, he was there, involved in security management against the looters.

“A crowd of people had descended at the entrance of the road since the looters were running into the nearby sports ground. Many of the shops near my mum’s home were damaged in the unrest and residents were on edge wondering what to expect next.”

It is believed that the friends Faybian went to Trenance Park with were not with him after he was shot as they had gone home to shower and eat, while he had stayed back with an older group of patrollers at the scene.

“I don’t know who the other group of individuals were that my son stayed back with are, as everyone was gone when we arrived at the crime scene. I keep getting different versions of what happened that day by so many people. It just doesn’t make sense to us as a family. I just want the answers to my questions to be truthful and honest,” adds Moodley.

According to forensics, Faybian was shot once, with the bullet penetrating his lung and heart, causing him to die immediately.

Moodley described her only son, who worked in a printing company on a part-time basis, as a very simple and quiet child, who enjoyed being with family and friends.

“During the unrest, everyone came together to protect their families and Faybian went out too because my mum is 74 years old while my sister, who lives in Trenance Park, has two small children. He decided to play his part in protecting them,” she states.

The murder case of Faybian Moodley is being handled by Durban Central SAPS as officers from different stations across the precinct are working together to solve incidents reported during the unrest. The bereaved mother misses her son immensely.

“I can’t and will not forget about my child. Not a day goes by without me thinking of him. It’s the most horrible experience for any parent to go through. All I have is memories to hold on to. I must keep those memories alive. I do that for his two younger sisters, who also miss their dear brother,” she concludes.

Since Faybian’s untimely death, Tashleen visits his grave site, where she finds a little comfort. She also donates food to orphanages on a regular basis in his name as Faybian was known to be helpful and kind to everyone he met.

National police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, says, “Investigations are still continuing into the deaths of the victims of the July 2021 unrest and once concluded, the minister of police will issue a statement.”