Durban — No arrests have been made after prominent Chatsworth resident Seelan Pillay was gunned down outside the Bayview shopping centre on Saturday.
Pillay was the chairperson of the sub-forum of the Bayview Community Policing Forum and a former SAPS member based in Chatsworth.
Pillay exited a fast food outlet and was walking towards his car with his wife when he was reportedly shot multiple times by occupants travelling in a Toyota SUV on Lenny Naidu Drive.
Amawele Emergency Services spokesperson Claude Subramodey said two types of weapons were used, an automatic gun and a pistol, as two different shells were uncovered near the victim.
Pillay was related to one of the victims who was hit during a drive-by shooting that took place in May, just 15 metres up the road – outside a KFC store.
Jesus Feet Ministry spokesperson Leonard Muthu said Pillay was an inspiration to the community during the Covid-19 period, when “we had started outreach services”.
On Facebook, a close friend, Ricardo Fynn, said he policed the streets of Bayview alongside Pillay with vigour and pride. Fynn described Pillay as a lion and everyone who came across him knew that immediately.
“His blood was spilt on those same streets minutes away from the safety of his home,” he said.
Fynn said Pillay was a great husband, an incredible friend, a great community leader, a giant in his community and was from the streets but changed by God.
Fynn said he was angry because in South Africa it is too easy to take lives and everyone accepts it.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala said a case of murder was opened at Bayview SAPS.
In other incidents, an off-duty Durban Metro policeman was gunned down in M-Section in Umlazi on Saturday night. Police reports state that Xolani Cele, 40, parked his VW Touran at the corner of Mnini and Mkhonzeni Road waiting for his friend.
When his friend arrived a gunman approached Cele and shot him several times. The friend alighted the vehicle and sought help. Cele died on the scene. Cele was robbed of his firearm with ammunition.
Durban Metro Police spokesperson Superintendent Boysie Zungu confirmed the incident but could not comment on the matter further. Umlazi SAPS is investigating a case of murder and robbery.
Two people were shot dead on Saturday night in Coffee Farm near Mariannhill. Gwala said three people in a vehicle were shot by unknown suspects. Two people, aged 40 and 53, were declared dead at the scene. The third victim did not sustain injuries. Charges of murder and attempted murder are being investigated by KwaNdengezi SAPS.
Four days after the Merewent Community Policing Forum (CPF) held a community meeting on drug-related murders, David Singh, 53, was shot by two men on Major Calvert Street, Wentworth, on Thursday.
Gwala said he sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
A case of murder is being probed by Wentworth SAPS. Singh also worked in the construction sector.
Daily News