‘Demons’ jibe fuels feud

A NORTH COAST couple say their lives have been turned upside down by their elderly neighbour, who has charged them with harassment and attempted murder.

Businessman Niresh Ramdin and his wife, Pinky, of Stanger Manor, said the pensioner recently referred to them as “demons” on a community WhatsApp group, while they were conducting their katha and jhunda prayer, and, for them, this was the last straw.

They have charged the man with intimidation and intend on reporting the incident to the South African Human Rights Commission.

“Since 2013, when we moved into our rented home, he has tried to do everything in his power to bring our name into disrepute,” said Ramdin.

The father of two said the man laid a charge of harassment against him because his dogs barked at him.

“In a separate incident, I was charged with attempted murder.

“He told the police that I tried to run over him with my car but the case was thrown out of court because on the day and time of the so-called incident, we were elsewhere and we had video footage to prove this.”

Ramdin said that earlier this month, while his family was conducting their prayer on their property, the neighbour took to social media and referred to them as “demons”.

POST has seen a screenshot of the message, which reads: “Hi community… we all in need of real help against Niresh Demon Using Pa system n Excess Loud Music N Disturbing The peace in the residential place.”

It continues: “…its definitely illegal all neighbours are upset i do have a court order in my possession please notify attorthies n have him arrested… i also have a warrent in my possession Help Help Help every one available drive down to (Niresh’s home address is provided) with SAPS Urgent (sic).”

Ramdin described the neighbour’s comments as disrespectful.

“He is a Hindu man himself and shows no respect for our religion. We started our prayer at 1pm and played our bhajans softly. There was no PA system and we had just under 20 guests. In no way were we causing chaos. I have opened a case of harassment against him and will report the incident to the South African Human Rights Commission because he is infringing on our right to practice our religion.”

Ramdin said he could not understand why his family was being targeted.

“He is harassing us and defaming my name. I never did anything to him.”

Approached for comment, all the neighbour would say was that it was a personal matter.