Husband may not attend wife’s final journey
ATTEMPTED murder victim Logie Pillay, 69, today might not be able to bid final farewell to his wife, Gona, 63, who died when they were attacked by four men at their home in Silverglen, Chatsworth, on Wednesday.
The funeral service for the retired Southlands Secondary School principal will be held at the Scdifa Hall in Silverglen, before she will be cremated at the Clare Estate Crematorium this afternoon.
Logie, who is recovering at a Durban hospital from stab wounds, learnt about his wife’s death only on Friday after the family sought the assistance of a psychologist and health professionals.
Logie’s brother, Charma Pillay, yesterday told the Sunday Tribune the family was devastated and still in a state of disbelief.
“He’s going to be okay, but he has to be in hospital for a bit longer, maybe a week. We wanted him to be there for the morning prayers but the hospital may not allow him a pass-out. We, therefore, cannot risk bringing him home for the funeral rituals and then re-admitting him as his condition could deteriorate,” Charma said.
The Pillays, who were in the process of selling their seven-bedroom house, were attacked by four men who entered their home pretending to be potential buyers.
It is alleged that an estate agent from the Pam Golding Properties (PGP) offices in Amanzimtoti phoned the Pillays ahead of the attack to say that “buyers” wanted to view their home.
After the stabbing spree the suspects fled in the couple’s luxury Mercedes-benz car which was later recovered in Umbumbulu, south of Durban. According to SAPS spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, a 24-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the attack and was due to appear at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
“What is this world coming to… When you are trying to sell a house and something like this happens, can you ever trust estate agents again?” asked Charma.
PGP chief executive Andrew Golding said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened at this terrible news. Our deepest condolences will be extended to the family, friends and community associated with the victims of this awful event.”
Charma said Gona would be deeply missed, not only by her family, but by the entire community whom she was greatly involved with.
“She had so much love for her family, she was always involved in our lives,” he said.
On social media, condolences poured in from former pupils and colleagues of the mother of three who worked at Chatsworth-based Southlands for almost three decades.
Selvie Soobramoney posted on Facebook: “I met her two months ago in a prayer goods store and we had a long chat about my boys. She was so excited about their achievements and she also said it was getting lonely without her children and she was going up to Joburg. She was an amazing person, someone you could talk to. May her soul rest in peace.”
From Australia, Kresen Samuel posted: “May God’s peace and comfort be with you, Loga. Please accept our deepest sympathy.”
Sydney Chetty said: “Rest in peace Mrs G.P. You ll not leave a memory only but a legacy. Peace and peace and comfort to the bereaved families.”
Southlands principal, Daya Pillay, said the school was planning a memorial service for Gona Pillay in early October.