Murder: family seeks answers

RAVI Pillay was loyal to his family and dedicated to his job. That’s why over a week after his murder, those closest to him are still trying to fathom why he become the target of a “hitman”. The father of four, 50, was found dead at the bottom of an embankment in Crossmoor, Chatsworth, last Saturday, close to where he lived in Bayview.

The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the mouth.

Pillay was found with one hand cuffed. A rope was found nearby and his white bakkie was recovered at the scene.

Pillay drove buses for the bus company Royal Passenger and Motor Garage. His daily route was from Chatsworth to Durban, and between the Durban University of Technology (DUT) campuses. He also hired out his bakkie.

After visiting the crime scene, his family is of the view his murder was a hit. “We saw the crime scene, and police have acknowledged that this was a hit on my brother-in-law,” said Jay Naidoo.

Speaking to the Sunday Tribune a day after Pillay’s funeral, Naidoo said there were rumours about events leading to Pillay’s death.

People had said Pillay was driving a bus on the day he died, and others that he had gone to Crossmoor to dump dirt.“that morning, Ravi (Pillay) received a call about moving furniture with his bakkie. He told us he was going to Himalaya Drive,” said Naidoo.

Pillay’s youngest daughter, who didn’t want to be named, said: “My dad left, and we never saw him again .... ”Pillay worked at Royal Passenger for over eight years. Manager Sandy Ramlall said Pillay was a loyal, hard-working man. He said DUT students who travelled with Pillay had spoken about him on Lotus FM last week, sending condolences to his family and describing him as a wonderful person.

Police are investigating a case of murder. Said Naidoo: “He did everything he could to support his family; he sold spare parts and clothes as well. He never got involved in fights or arguments and was humble. What troubles us is not knowing why this has transpired. We still can’t come to terms with this.

“We’re asking those who are spreading rumours to stop. If anybody has information that can help the investigation, we’re appealing to them to come forward,” he said.