CHATSWORTH, South Africa — The family of Kumarasen Trevino Naidoo is seeking legal assistance to reopen his case after three suspects were released. Naidoo, 29, suffered a brutal attack in Silverglen that led to his death.
Brutal Torture and Murder
According to IOL, Naidoo was kidnapped from Road 721 in Montford on Nov. 5, 2023. His captors transported him to Silverglen, where they beat him with a cricket bat and a spade. They then forced him to drink petrol. When that failed to kill him, they set him on fire using a tire.
A resident attempted to rescue him, using a towel to douse the flames before calling an ambulance. Naidoo suffered severe burns on his face, chest, and hands. He died 19 days later, on Nov. 23, from septicemia.
Family Reveals His Past Struggles
His aunt, Pastor Doreen Govender, admitted Naidoo struggled with a drug addiction. She said he had stolen a sound system from a taxi, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. He served four months before his release.
On the day of the attack, Naidoo walked past the same taxi. The owner allegedly forced him inside and took him to an isolated area. “They forced him to drink petrol. When it didn’t work, they set him on fire and left him to die,” Govender said.
Arrests and Case Dismissal
Police arrested three men at the scene: Sholan Sewpal, 38, Harold Chris Soobramoney, 39, and Thavanadhren Nair, 37. Initially charged with attempted murder, their charges were upgraded to murder when Naidoo died.
However, the Durban Regional Court dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence. Defense attorney Shireen Soobrathi said, “The State lacked enough proof to secure a conviction.”
A police source revealed Naidoo was held captive for over five hours. Officers found crucial evidence, including the rope used to tie him, a cricket bat, a spade, and a petrol canister. “We don’t understand how the case was closed,” the officer said.
Family’s Plea for Justice
Govender expressed heartbreak watching the suspects celebrate their release. “My nephew named his attackers while in the hospital. We have videos and photos proving their involvement,” she said.
She also alleged that individuals pressured Naidoo to drop the case, offering him R200,000. “He refused, and they even threatened to bribe doctors to kill him,” she added.
Naidoo’s mother, 62, has suffered psychological distress since his death. “She couldn’t recognize her son at his funeral,” Govender said.
Community Urged to Take Action
The family now seeks an attorney to help reopen the case. “We need the public to stand against this brutality. Even if he made mistakes, he deserved a fair trial, not death,” Govender said.
They urge witnesses to come forward and provide statements. “This injustice cannot stand. If it happened to us, it could happen to anyone,” Govender concluded.
See also:Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Mandrax Haul in Beaufort West
