Durban — The trial of a Phoenix man facing five counts of murder, six counts of attempted murder and arson is set to begin in 2023.
Kista Sergie Chetty, 57, is alleged to have killed his family, including his 3-year-old son, by setting them alight in their home in Kidstone Place in Phoenix in November 2021.
He is charged with the murders of his wife Elisha Naidoo, 39, his 13-year-old daughter Jadene, his 9-year-old son Jordan, 8-year-old daughter Aarav and his 3-year-old son Aldrin.
It is alleged that a car tyre was lodged against the door to prevent it from opening.
At the pre-trial conference at the Durban High Court Chetty’s Legal Aid counsel, R Marimuthu, stated that he was going to consult with Chetty and his family to ensure that his doctor’s appointments were arranged to not disturb his appearances during the trial.
This came after it was established that his family was concerned about his mental health.
Marimuthu had previously stated that this may warrant some assessment by trained individuals.
Senior advocate Krishen Shah told the court that the State intended to call between seven and eight witnesses.
The defence said it would call about two witnesses who included a family member.
In agreement, Judge Thoba Poyo-Dlwati suggested that the trial begins in September next year.
Chetty was to remain in custody, the judge ruled.
Chetty’s brother-in-law Deon Naidoo and his family also lived in the house, leading to six counts of attempted murder in relation to Naidoo and his family which included four minor children.
It is alleged that on the day before the murders Chetty was chased away from the house after he had allegedly been violent towards his wife and her brother. However, he is alleged to have continued to harass the occupants of the house demanding to be allowed back in.
In the early hours of the day of the incident, it is alleged that Chetty managed to convince his daughter (now dead) to open for him while the family was sleeping.
The State alleges that Chetty decided to kill the occupants of the house and used an accelerant and ignited a fire in the bedroom after which he fled the scene.
Daily News