Caregiver charged with murder
THE mystery death of a Shallcross businesswoman, whose body had lain in an old car parked outside her home for nine days while her disabled husband was left alone inside, has taken a dramatic twist.
A man who sources say claimed to have been romantically involved with Veronica Moodley, 45, was arrested on Friday.
Divorced father of five Shaun “Rooster” Pillay stood meekly in the dock at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Monday as he was told he would remain behind bars until his formal application.
Sporting dyed blonde hair, the 36-year-old Chatsworth man has been charged with murder. Pillay, of Sunset Avenue, allegedly worked for six months as a caregiver to Moodley’s husband, Ricky, 50, who had suffered a stroke and was confined to a wheelchair.
It has not yet been ascertained whether Pillay, who bore a tattoo on his neck and is believed to have lived on the premises with the Moodleys, had formal, if any, training as a caregiver.
According to a source close to the investigation, Ricky had last seen his caregiver on New Year’s Day, a day after he last saw his wife.
She had been expected to visit family in Gauteng but they grew concerned when she did not arrive.
Relatives found her body, covered in blankets, on the back seat of a Ford Cortina in the backyard on January 9.
Ricky, who suffered a stroke two years ago, had survived on soft drinks only, as he was unable to obtain food.
Police launched a manhunt for Pillay, who was found in Shallcross.
According to the source, the accused claimed he was in a relationship with the deceased and had been working as a caregiver for six months.
At his first court appearance, Pillay, wearing a sports T-shirt and black jeans, was representative by a legal aid attorney.
His formal bail application was adjourned to next week.
Until then, he will remain behind bars at the Chatsworth police station.
Moodley’s sister, Leeanne Maharaj, who identified her by a tattoo on her left wrist and from operation scars on her stomach, declined to comment.
Maharaj, of Gauteng, said: “I can’t comment. The case is being jeopardised already by the public.
“When the police gives us permission, then we will speak to the press.”