A high-profile murder case which occurred during the unrest in July 2021 came to an end in Scottburgh recently.
The Scottburgh High Court sentenced Joel Fenton Pillay (38) to 20 years imprisonment for the murder of Lindani Mthethwa.
When the murder took place, there was looting and public violence in various parts of KZN, and on July 12, Mthethwa was walking on Ireland Street in Verulam, when Pillay drove past him.
“Pillay, who was driving a marked vehicle owned by a security company, turned his vehicle around and drove back towards Mthethwa,” explained Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson.
“When he was alongside Mthethwa he lowered the window of his vehicle and shot him in the head.”
Mthethwa died on the scene.
In the state’s case, Advocate Thabani Buthelezi led the testimony of two eyewitnesses who saw the shooting; as well as details of the tracking device that was installed in the vehicle that Pillay drove on the day of the incident.
Buthelezi also submitted a victim impact statement compiled by Mthethwa’s sister and facilitated by court preparation officer Thandeka Nadi Mofokeng.
“In her statement, the sister said Mthethwa was a responsible and hardworking person,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
“She said that her family has been financially and emotionally affected. She added that the incident was traumatic, as she still has flashbacks.”
In sentencing Pillay, the court deviated from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment, citing that he was a first-time offender. The court also found him unfit to possess a firearm.
The NPA commended the work done by the prosecution, and other stakeholders, in securing the conviction.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
