Son of Slain KwaDukuza Superintendent Tells Court of Lasting Trauma as Killer Faces Sentencing

Despite undergoing therapy, the emotional and psychological trauma suffered by the son of a senior law enforcement officer who was fatally shot during a robbery continues to affect his daily life.

Kyle Arumugam, 25, told the Durban High Court this week that his life has been irrevocably altered since his father, Mariemuthoo Arumugam, a senior superintendent with the KwaDukuza traffic department, was shot six times at close range on November 4, 2024.

Philakahle Hloniphani Dladla, 28, was convicted of murder when he appeared before Acting Judge Vikela Ntlokwana in November last year.

The court previously heard that Dladla boarded a taxi at the KwaDukuza taxi rank, sat in the front passenger seat and instructed the driver, Bheki Xulu, to take the Groutville off-ramp. He then produced a firearm and robbed the driver and passengers at gunpoint.

Arumugam, dressed in his official uniform, arrived at the scene in a Toyota Fortuner after noticing the stationary taxi. Dladla then turned his firearm on him and shot him six times at close range.

Throughout the trial, Dladla denied involvement in the killing.

During sentencing proceedings, Kyle Arumugam described how his father’s violent death left him suffering from panic attacks and anxiety.

“The sound of sirens or news about violence triggers flashbacks. Seeing his uniform or hearing stories from his colleagues brings back both pride and unbearable grief,” he said.

He told the court that despite counselling, the trauma continues to affect his ability to function. He said his father had been the family’s breadwinner, leaving both an emotional and financial void.

He added that his 15-year-old sister cries herself to sleep, while their mother struggles to cope with the loss.

Taxi driver Bheki Xulu testified that he is now unable to tolerate the sight or sound of a firearm and considered quitting his job after the incident.

“I am constantly suspicious of male passengers, especially those who resemble the accused,” Xulu said.

Passenger Thembisile Zikhali told the court she was now afraid of using public transport and suffered weeks of sleeplessness after the shooting.

State prosecutor Advocate Rakesh Singh urged the court to impose a life sentence, arguing that an unarmed law enforcement officer was killed in the line of duty.

He said Dladla continued demanding money and cellphones from passengers even after shooting the officer and told the court that KwaDukuza law enforcement officers present in the gallery worked under constant threat.

“He had a choice,” Singh said. “Instead of surrendering, he aimed and fired six shots. That demonstrates intent to kill.”

Dladla’s legal representative, Advocate Musa Chiliza of Legal Aid South Africa, said the deceased was not the intended target, describing the incident as tragic while acknowledging the seriousness of the offence.

Sentencing proceedings continue.

DAILY NEWS