CCTV footage captured a respected Hindu priest pleading for his life before an “angry” drug dealer allegedly stabbed him to death because his “pockets were empty”.
Guru Liven Pillay, 38, the resident priest at the Seva Soobramoneyium Temple, in Sezela, was allegedly killed because he did not have any money to give his attackers. He only had his house keys in his pocket.
A suspect, 19, has been arrested for the alleged murder.
His pregnant wife, Colleena, 29, of Lahore Street, in Merebank, said Pillay had gone to visit a friend in the neighbourhood on Saturday night and was returning home when he was attacked and killed.
She said Pillay, who was a priest from the time he was 14-years-old, always believed in the good of people.
She said he walked the streets of Merebank daily without fear and there was nothing unusual about his behaviour or route on the day he was killed.
“He always visited his friend and returned home safely each time. But this time he was attacked outside a store at a nearby shopping centre. Witnesses had claimed that a drug dealer wanted money from him. They said Liven pleaded with them for his life. He told them that he had no cash on him. He only had our house keys in his pocket. That apparently made them angry and they stabbed him,” said Colleena.
“The attack was caught on CCTV as well. I was told that Liven was lying against the wall of the store with multiple stab wounds. He tried to run away but couldn't get far with his injuries. He eventually tried to crawl for help but had lost too much blood. He passed out on the grounds in Punjab circle,” she added.
She said that Pillay was barely 10 minutes away from home when he died and she did not know anything.
“My tenant had told me that she had received a call about a body being found at the nearby grounds. She asked me if Liven had returned home. When I told her that he had not, she went to the grounds to see if it was him. She did not want me to go because I was very anxious and pregnant. When she went to the ground she saw that it was my Liven,” she said.
“The saddest part is that he left home as usual on Saturday. He said his goodbyes to me and our son and said he would be back in a few hours. He left home at 6pm on Saturday and at 7am on Sunday, the police were knocking on my door to say they had found my deceased husband,” said a distraught Colleena.
She said she had been informed by police that two witnesses had come forward and that camera footage from several stores had been viewed.
“With this the police were able to identify and arrest a 19-year-old suspect from the area. His is a known thug who often robs people. He also has a reputation for dealing in drugs. My husband died a violent and horrible death. I just want justice for him,” she added.
“Liven was the priest at the Sezela temple for 10 years. He loved his culture and sang so beautifully. We were married for seven years. He was from Umkomaas and I am from Isipingo. We moved to Merebank after we got married to start our life. Our lovely memories here have now become tarnished with his senseless murder,” said Colleena.
She said she was pregnant with a daughter and Pillay was ecstatic. Their son was born five years ago.
“He was so excited for the baby to arrive in April. I do not know how I am going to give birth alone and raise both our children …
“Our son, Saiyashen, keeps asking for his dad. Sadly, he will only get to see his dad at the funeral. This will be the hardest moment of our lives,” said Colleena.
Dhevan Govindasamy from PT alarms was on patrol when they found Pillay’s body at the corner of Lahore Road and Punjab Circle.
“We found a man who had been stabbed multiple times in his back. From the blood trail it looked like he had been stabbed at the shopping complex about 100m away.”
Shamlin Govender, chairperson of Merebank CPF sub-forum called for justice to be served.
“A religious leader of the community has been murdered. This is a huge loss to his young family and devotees. We appeal to all residents of Merebank to assist SAPS Wentworth with the investigation. We will ensure justice prevails as we will be regularly following up with SAPS for updates on the case until the perpetrator is sentenced. We encourage residents to be vigilant when leaving or entering their properties as we have noticed a significant increase in crime in Merebank,” said Govender.
Sharleen Govender, secretary of the Sezela Siva Soobramoneyium Temple said the passing of Pillay has left their community distraught.
“Guru Liven Pillay had been the resident priest at the Sezela Siva Soobramoneyium Temple for the past decade. He was an asset to our temple and has left a profound impact on many lives both on a personal level and spiritual level.
“Through his melodious voice you could hear his passion for spirituality. It was an absolute pleasure to work with him. There were times when he stood resolute as our pillar of strength and guided us through some trying times. His work left people singing his praises of how well he conducted his prayers. He was a dedicated priest and took the utmost pride in his work.
“He was known for kindness to help people and devotees, comforting people during challenging times and standing by them in their times of need. The Hindu community has been robbed of a wonderful human being.
“Ultimately his untimely death has left a void that cannot be filled. Time will allow us to accept his passing however it will not heal our wounds to this great loss. Guru Liven Pillay will be sadly missed and we pray that his arthma attains moksha,” said Sharleen.
Pillay’s funeral will take place on tomorrow (Thursday) at his family home in Umkomaas and then proceed to the Clare Estate Crematorium.