The Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) R44 Helicopter lifted off this morning (Friday, 19/01/2024) to conducted a search for 34 year old Jerome Pillay (picture in video). His family were on-board the aircraft.
Reaction Officers met with Pillay’s sister, Tina Naidoo who alleged that on the night of her brother’s disappearance (Friday, 05/01/024) he was stripped naked, tied to a light pole and beaten to death (not confirmed) by a man and his son in Whetstone – KZN.
They thereafter loaded his limp naked body into a black vehicle and left the area. Pillay has not been seen since. The incident was witnessed by several residents who are afraid to provide statements to Law Enforcement for fear of retaliation.
His sister further informed Reaction Officers that the suspect fled the area and cannot be located for questioning. Naidoo’s family has since been threatened by the suspects family who requested that they do not pursue the matter further. She added, that the suspects family also have ties to the Community Policing Forum (CPF) who has been harassing them since the incident has come tolight.
She further believes that the incident is being covered up by the CPF who has made several attempts to mislead the investigation.
Tina Naidoo arrived at RUSA HQ this morning to meet with Reaction Officers & Helicopter Pilot to identify possible locations where her brother’s body may have been dumped.
An extensive aerial search was conducted over Fernham/Bhambayi in KZN but the search was unsuccessful.
The family believed that Pillay was murdered but this has not been confirmed. A reward of R10 000 in cash is being offered by the family for information regarding his disappearance.
According to Tina Naidoo, a warrant of arrest has been issued for the suspects. This has not been confirmed by Reaction Officers.