Durban: FOR 90 days the family of Jeetendra Jaikissoon prayed he would be released on bail and return home. On Tuesday he returned to his home in Palmview, Phoenix – in a coffin.
Jaikissoon, 39, an insurance broker, died at King Edward VIII Hospital on Friday. It is believed he died minutes after he arrived there from Westville Prison where he was being held as an awaiting-trial prisoner.
Jaikissoon was charged with murder and attempted murder after an incident in Palmview, Phoenix, during the unrest that happened in July.
While the cause of his death is still under investigation, he had a history of diabetes and hypertension. His family believe prison officials denied him the medical care he needed.
Chris Gounden, his attorney, said he was informed by the other accused that Jaikissoon became ill after his court appearance last Wednesday.
“Jeetendra was experiencing chest pains. He also had body cramps and he was shivering – symptoms linked to his diabetes and hypertension. He was very weak and unable to walk. The other inmates screamed for help. When the warders arrived, they wanted him to walk about 700m to the clinic but he could not stand on his own two feet.”
Gounden said his co-accused, Ned Govender, pleaded with the warders to allow him to help him walk.
“After some time they allowed it. When he got to the clinic area he was taken to the hospital at the prison and treated with antibiotics because the medical staff believed he had the flu. The next day his wife went to the prison to visit him. She spent less than 10 minutes with him and she told him to go back to the hospital given how bad his condition was. But, when he got back to the hospital, he was discharged and sent to his cell.”
Gounden said his condition deteriorated.
“By the early hours of Friday, his cramps and shivers became worse. His legs were sore and his fingers and hands began turning blue. The other inmates took turns massaging his leg and trying to make him comfortable. They watched
helplessly as he became weaker.
“Around 5.30am they began banging on the cell walls calling for help. A warder who came to the cell said they had to wait for the roll call at 8am. She (the officer) was there only to fetch those prisoners going to court. When the roll call began, Jaikissoon was too weak to step out of the cell. He had to be carried out.”
Gounden said the other prisoners again asked for help.
He said he believed Jaikissoon was taken to King Edward Hospital VIII at 12.35pm and died about 10 minutes later. “It’s been emotional for the other prisoners to watch him in that condition. They could do nothing to help him.”
Gounden claimed video evidence produced by the State exonerated Jaikissoon from the charge of murder.
“The State said he was armed with a panga but he had a stick. The video shows him going to assault a man with the stick but then he comes back and stands next to his mother-in-law and wife. The most he should have been charged with was common assault, but he was charged for murder and attempted murder.”
Gounden claimed the other accused were being victimised.
“Emotions are high because of the incident. Some prison warders have prejudged all of the accused and because of this they are being neglected and not given proper medical care and even food.”
Manoj Harilall, his brother-in-law, said Jaikissoon begged him to find a way to get him out of prison.
“‘Manoj get me out of here. Please speak to Chris (Gounden) to get me out of here.’ It was his last words to me and it will ring in my head for ever. I promised him I would get him out.”
Harilall said the family wanted answers.
“In his application for bail, his attorney outlined all his medical conditions. Diabetes and hypertension were mentioned. When he fell ill, they treated him for flu. How does one make this diagnosis? Did they not check his medical history?”
He was asked why it took so long before Jaikissoon was taken to hospital.
“The other inmates could see how ill he was. They informed the warders but the warders did not care. They denied him medical care and violated his constitutional right. Some political figures have already said they are guilty so where is justice?”
Harilall said Jaikissoon had been married for nine years. He was retrenched from his job in November last year because of Covid-19. He had started a new job in May.
At a funeral service at the Clare Estate Crematorium, some mourners wore white T-shirts with his image and the words – Heroes Never Die They Live On.
His white casket was covered in a Liverpool Football Club blanket, one of his favourite teams.
Harilall told mourners Jaikissoon was not a racist.
“He was a Sai devotee and believed in the teachings of love all and serve all. He loved football and he was a Liverpool fan. I think the game on Sunday was played for Jeetendra.”
Sashen Govender, his nephew, described him as a father figure.
“When my father died, he stepped in to be my father.
“He helped me heal and taught me how to pray.”
Pastor Mervyn Reddy, a community activist and neighbour, said: “His name will help us fight this injustice. The system denied him freedom and the right to be alive. We will not leave any stone unturned to ensure justice.
“Jeetendra was innocent. He did not need to be incarcerated for 90 days. The other inmates called me to say they are heartbroken.
“For 90 days they became a family. They told me it was an honour to know him.”
Viloshnee Pillay, a mourner, said he died protecting his family as well as other women and children in the community.
“I still cannot believe he is gone.” Singabakho Nxumalo, the spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, said: “The remand detainee was transferred from Durban Management Area to King Edward VIII Hospital after complaining about difficulty in breathing and chest pains.
“A detailed investigation will be launched and will be assisted by an autopsy report in determining the cause of death.”
The department did not respond to the other allegations.
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