THE family of a priest is demanding that justice be served following his brutal killing.

Guru Liven Pillay (38), who was tragically killed in Merebank last week, has been described as a man of peace with an unwavering passion for helping his community.

Also read: UPDATE: Two suspects arrested for murder of Merebank resident

Pillay’s body was discovered with multiple stab wounds near Punjab Circle in Merebank on January 19. His sister, Trenel Pillay, said that Liven was a devout individual who never retaliated when confronted by others.

According to the police, Pillay, a member of the Sezela Seva Subramanium Temple, was stabbed numerous times. His body was found on a grassy patch near Punjab Circle.

Now, the family is demanding that the police thoroughly investigate the crime and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“We want justice. My brother did not deserve to die this way. He left behind a four-year-old son, an unborn child and his wife. We are still reeling from this tragedy, and can only hope that the police will pursue a comprehensive investigation,” she said.

The motive for the attack is still unclear, however, his family members confirmed that Pillay was attacked and stabbed to death in what appears to be a robbery that occurred near the Punjab Circle in Merebank.

The priest’s wife recalls the day her husband left home

His wife, Colleena, who is seven months pregnant, stated that she is struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss.

She mentioned that they had only recently moved back to Merebank, having previously lived in the Umkomaas area. She explained that their son is still hoping his father will return home.

“He didn’t have any known enemies in the area. He left the house after supper, saying he was visiting a friend. When I was later alerted by neighbors to the body found near Punjab Circle, I couldn’t believe it was him,” she said.

Also read: E-hailing driver survives botched hijacking in Merebank

Two suspects arrested and charged with Pillay’s murder

Two suspects have been arrested for Pillay’s murder. The first suspect, a 19-year-old, surrendered himself to the police on January 19, while the second suspect was apprehended shortly after the authorities received information about his location.

Kesavan, the brother of the deceased, expressed that the family’s only hope now rests in the investigation, which he believes will bring both justice and a sense of closure.

“The individuals responsible for this crime must not be granted bail. They took the life of an innocent man,” he said.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s court this week.

Pillay was laid to rest on January 23 in Umkomaas.

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