Durban: Kireshnee Pillay had dreams of pursuing a career as a make-up artist. But a day after her 25th birthday on October 30, her partner allegedly slapped her several times before pushing her. She fell against a metal rod, which penetrated the back of her head.
Pillay died in hospital on Thursday.
The incident occurred at her home in Sastri Park, Phoenix.
Ashina Bissoon, her sister, said Pillay had fled her home to live with her two weeks before the incident.
"She was in a relationship with her partner for four years. Kireshnee told me she was being abused emotionally, physically and mentally. She was scared for her safety and that of her children. On her birthday, she decided to go home. She hoped things would change."
The day after Pillay's birthday, Bissoon called to check up on her.
"She was upset. She said nothing had changed. I was worried about her and tried to call her the next day but the phone just rang. On my seventh try, a relative answered the phone. I was told my sister was assaulted and was in the hospital.
"The relative said during the assault, my sister was pushed and that she hit against an iron rod that pierced the back of her head. She was on life support at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital. I could not believe what I was hearing."
Bissoon said the hospital confirmed Pillay's condition.
"We could not see her due to Covid-19 protocols. My parents and I just prayed that she would pull through. From November 1, she was placed on life support. On Thursday, a relative called to say Kireshnee had died."
Bissòon said her sister, a mother of two sons aged three and eight months, dreamt of pursuing a career as a make-up artist.
"She previously worked as a make-up artist but left after she was pregnant with her first child. She always wanted to go back. My sister loved her sons and wanted the best of them. As a sister, she was a gem. She always put everyone's needs ahead of her own."
Bissoon said her family wanted justice.
"My sister was robbed of her life and seeing her children grow up. This is not fair to her and her boys. Her youngest child will not remember her. We want the person responsible to get the maximum sentence."
She said she was speaking out to help other women.
"Abuse and violence against women are prevalent in our community. If you are reading this and you are in a similar situation like my sister was, please get out before it is too late. There is always help. Think about what will happen to your children if you are killed."
Kamla Bissoon, Pillay's mother, said: "Nothing will bring my child back. But the person who did this must be punished. Too many young mothers are dying because of domestic abuse."
Her partner, Donovan Duwarkah, 30, who worked for a block manufacturer, appeared in the Verulam Magistrate's Court on Friday. He was initially charged with aggravated assault but following Pillay's death, the charge was changed to murder.
The case was adjourned to November 19.
Pillay was cremated at the KwaDukuza Crematorium on Saturday.
Colonel Thembeka Mbele, a provincial police spokesperson, said: “On November 1, 2021, police received a complaint of assault in Stone Park, Phoenix. It is alleged that a 25-year-old female victim was assaulted and rushed to hospital for medical attention where she later succumbed to her injuries.”
Mbele said a 30-year-old male suspect was arrested and a case of murder was opened at Phoenix SAPS for investigation.
His family could not be reached for comment.
The Post