Durban - An unemployed man accused of killing his wife because he
was allegedly unhappy with her decision to divorce him and
move abroad is expected to stand trial in the Durban High Court next month.
Her husband Navin Chanderlal, 53, was arrested and charged with her murder.
During his bail application, he said he could not recall the day of the incident as he was on medication and was battling severe depression. He said after taking his medication he would sleep for days.
Chanderlal, who is represented by attorney Chris Gounden, was released on bail of R3000.
Navin Chanderlal at the time of his arrest.
Picture: African News Agency (ANA) Archives
On Thursday, the indictments, presented by State advocate Krishan Shah, were served on Chanderlal in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court.
In a summary of the facts, the State alleged that Pillay
grew apart from Chanderlal, and that the mother of two was
intent on divorcing him and moving abroad to reside with
her children.
“The accused was unhappy about this, and decided to kill the deceased.
“On December 24, 2018, and in circumstances unknown to the State, he killed the deceased and left her body in the bathroom of their home.”
A post-mortem revealed
that the cause of death was a suspected compression of the neck, according to the court papers.
At least 27 witnesses are expected to testify at the trial.
Chanderlal’s bail was extended until his next court appearance.