Suspect on trial for killing Avoca father in botched 2018 hijacking

Kelly Chetty. Picture: Supplied

Kelly Chetty. Picture: Supplied

Published Jan 28, 2020

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Durban - The trial of the man accused of killing Avoca father Vermana (Kelly) Chetty in the presence of his two children began in the Durban High Court this week. 

Chetty was killed in a botched hijacking on May 31, 2018, while purchasing vegetables on Prince Mhlangane Road, Avoca. His 12-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son were in the car.

A day after the murder Spamandla Buthelezi, 30, was arrested following a gun battle with the SAPS, that claimed the lives of two of his accomplices.

At the start of his trial Buthelezi, who lives in KwaMashu Mens Hostel, pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition. 

He remains in police custody. 

According to State indictments, Buthelezi and other his co-accused entered the Lighthouse Fresh Produce grocery store on May 31, 2018, and robbed Don P Phiri, Thandeke Makhaya and Krishna Moodley at gunpoint, making off with cash, cellphones and cigarettes. 

The State further alleges that before fleeing on foot the robbers fired shots inside the store. 

In order to make good on their escape Buthelezi and his co-accused approached Chetty who was seated in his car, a Golf 7, a short distance away from the store. 

Chetty was shot and Buthulezi and co-accused failed to take the car. 

Post-mortem results revealed that Chetty died as result of a multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. 

Buthelezi and his co-accused then went to another car, a Toyota Yaris and at gunpoint ordered Ramalingum Chetty and Sanjay Rajcoomar out of their car before hijacking the vehicle. 

The next day, on June 1, 2018, members from SAPS spotted the Toyota Yaris in KwaMashu in Durban and attempted to stop the car. 

The accused opened fire on SAPS members and a gun battle ensued. 

Two co-accused were fatally wounded and three firearms were recovered. 

Buthelezi was charged for the murder of his co-accused Nkosingphile Lindelani Mdletshe and Mhlanunzima Nzama. 

Police recovered two 9mm semi-automatic pistols and five rounds of ammunition. 

In a separate incident, the accused has also been charged for a house robbery dating back to January 2016. 

It is alleged he entered the home of the Haribhai family in Parlock and at gunpoint stole cash jewellery cellphones and their vehicle. 

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