WHISPERS of disgust could be heard from the gallery when Shaylin Ganesh, the man accused of murdering 78-year-old Sathiaseelan Pillay and his 74-year-old wife, Chinnama at their Willowglen home earlier this month, appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court recently.
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He abandoned bail application, and the case was postponed to August 30.
The elderly couple was bludgeoned with a hammer, and Mrs Pillay had also been strangled.
The suspected murderer fled in the couple’s vehicle.
He was arrested when he crashed the car on the N2 off-ramp at Hibberdene.
Police were called in to assist in keeping control of the public who thronged the courtroom, which was packed to capacity, and the passageway where the overflow – including journalists – gathered.
During court proceedings, Ganesh asked to be transferred to Westville Prison as he claimed to have been assaulted and poorly treated by ‘Indian’ guards and staff at the Umzinto Correctional Facility.
He had not reported the alleged assault to the head of the prison who, the magistrate pointed out, was African, and was advised to apply for the transfer through the proper channels.
“The community’s presence at the court speaks volumes as to their anger at the murder,” said Democratic Alliance councillor, Bob Daniel Naidoo.
“For too long this country has allowed the rights of criminals to be acknowledged. But we are saying that it’s about time that the rights of victims are acknowledged. We need a stronger deterrent to crime,” said IFP councillor, Jane Naidoo.
“On behalf of the family we’d like to thank those who came down here, some in their wheelchairs and others with walking sticks, to support the family,” said family spokesman, Jace Govender.
Flanked by Mr and Mrs Pillay’s daughters, Kumari, Deshnie and Rani, he added, “Although it’s little consolation for the family, we appreciate the way the community of Umkomaas and surrounds has come together.”
After court had adjourned, a group gathered outside for a brief demonstration, demanding that justice be served.
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