DURING the murder trial of Sunil Brijmohan on January 13, a key witness claimed that Brijmohan’s son and his business partner conspired to kill him over allegations of marital infidelity.

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Al-Barakh Jaleel van Rooyen (21) was the first witness to testify in the state’s case against the accused: Vikash Brian Sewnath (46); Vernon Chetty (26); Farah Moosa (25); and Sibusiso Ngcobo (26).

Van Rooyen and Santure Kirwin Mkhize have already been convicted of Brijmohan’s murder and are serving an 18-year sentence. Both men are now testifying as witnesses for the state.

Brijmohan, a 46-year-old businessman and former Ward 90 councillor, was fatally shot on October 21, 2022, outside a construction site in Cato Crescent, Amanzimtoti. Sewnath worked closely with Brijmohan in some of his business dealings and also acted as his business manager.

In his affidavit, Van Rooyen stated that he, Chetty, Ngcobo, Mkhize, and another man named Ben went to collect money from Sewnath on the day of the murder. Van Rooyen testified that Sewnath explained the motives for the killing during the meeting. He alleged that Sewnath said Brijmohan’s son wanted him dead because of marital infidelity and that Sewnath himself stood to benefit by taking over Brijmohan’s business.

“While inside the vehicle, Chetty introduced us to a man who identified himself as Brian Sewnath. Brian asked us who shot Sunil, and Mkhize confirmed that he was the shooter. Brian then stated that they wanted Sunil dead because he was cheating on his wife and that the deceased’s son wanted him dead. He also said he would take over the business and ensure we were paid after the deceased’s insurance policies were paid out,” said Van Rooyen.

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He added that Sewnath called Brijmohan’s son during the meeting and informed him that he was with the group responsible for the act. After the call, Sewnath allegedly gave the group R20 000 in cash, which they divided among themselves. Van Rooyen also testified that Moosa was an e-hailing driver who unknowingly drove them to and from the scene and dropped them off in Durban Central.

Sewnath’s attorney, Chris Gounden, stated that the accusations against his client were unfounded. Gounden asserted that Sewnath had an alibi and denied meeting with any of the accused or convicted individuals at the location in Jacobs where the alleged payment was said to have occurred.

However, Van Rooyen testified about another payment in November 2022. He claimed that his accomplices later received an additional R10 000 from Sewnath but did not inform him beforehand. Van Rooyen stated that he took R5 000 from them, suspecting that they had received more than they disclosed.

The trial continues, with further evidence and testimonies expected to determine the extent of the alleged conspiracy and the roles of the accused in Brijmohan’s murder.

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