Family desperate for answers over murder after SAPS investigation stalls

Three months after the brutal murder of a 77-year-old Newholme Way resident, Devanathan Perumal Pillay, his family is still desperate for answers surrounding his death.

Prenesh Pillay, Devanathan’s son, said the family was disappointed at the SAPS’ investigation, especially as the family has received no further information and progress on the case.

“My father was murdered in November. SAPS should put measures in place to ensure that the murder cases are dealt with timeously.

“The public is expected to believe that the law of the country is upheld by the responsible ones. Affected families need answers and SAPS has an obligation to provide answers or updates,” Pillay said.

He added that his family was still shocked and angered by the brutal way in which their elderly, defenceless father was attacked and murdered in his home, and will not rest until justice is served.

Devanathan was found lying on the side of his bed with stab wounds on the left lower side of his body and on his head in the bedroom of the outbuilding he was staying.

There were speculations that he had won some money from tote betting, which the family members believe could be the motive to his death.

Pillay said an undisclosed amount of money was taken from the house during the break-in, which he suspects was from tote betting winnings. He added that his father’s death remains a shock to the family and the residents in the community.

Mountain Rise SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Panchael Singh said the murder case of Pillay is an ongoing investigation.

“There is nothing new on the case yet. No one has been arrested or [identified as a] suspect.

“If anyone has any information that could assist this case, we urge you to come forward and help SAPS make progress on the investigation,” Singh said.