POLICE have made a breakthrough in the investigation into the shocking murder of Musgrave widow, Shakila Singh at her secure complex, following weeks of fear and uncertainty which swept through the Musgrave community who mourned the death of the vivacious former teacher who had a passion for jazz music and dancing.
Berea police arrested two suspects on Monday 21 March in connection with the murder, which took place on the morning of 29 February. Major Thulani Zwane said the two foreign nationals, aged 28 and 34 were charged with murder. “The Tanzanian men appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court on Monday and were remanded in custody until 1 April 2016. Another 35-year-old female suspect was also arrested yesterday (Tuesday) in connection with the murder. She will appear in court soon,” added Zwane.
Meanwhile, a police source close to the case told Berea Mail the two suspects were found in possession of the victim’s cellphone, which was taken during the murder and the woman who was arrested was an employee of Singh’s.
While the Singh family were grateful with the developments in the case, Jerome Singh, Shakila’s cousin said, “We have heard many rumours from sources, but we as a family need to get confirmation from police of the suspects. As a family, we are hoping for some measure of understanding of why this happened. We are gratified that people have been arrested and await details of the case, this shows there was stringent follow up, and we commend the police for excellent detective work in ensuring the arrests. As South Africans we are used to perpetrators not being caught so this is encouraging.” Singh said the arrest provided the family with a measure of faith in the police services, and they hoped the next step, would restore their faith in the justice system.
“There is a long process ahead in the case, and if all the suspects are linked and charged, it will be a small measure of closure, in terms of understanding the motive and why this happened,” he said.
Singh added the family was still dealing with the loss of Shakila. “Grieving is a process and when something unexpected and traumatic like this occurs it is very hard for everyone, immediate family, friends and neighbours. The family is still in a lot of pain, while we look forward to justice we know, even a successful conviction will not bring her back,” he added.
Dr Des Moodley, a community safety activist and Berea CPF Sector One chairman commended the police on the breakthrough. “The police are doing a good job in making breakthroughs with the case. This was an isolated incident, and I don’t think the community should be alarmed by the murder being general crime as it looks like it wasn’t a random robbery but more like a targeted incident,” he said.
Save Our Berea’s Cheryl Johnson, also commended the police on making such a swift arrest. “It’s very encouraging to seem to have made headway on this case. I’m sure the outpouring of grief and anger from community has sent them (police) a strong message about their service. We encourage residents to work with police and CPFs, towards trying to help solve these and other crimes. Our speakers at our monster crime meeting encouraged residents to take down high walls and replace them with fences that you can see through, get to know your neighbours and make sure you have proper lighting. Join local CPFs, attend meetings regularly to keep abreast of crime and practical solutions to the crimes in the area,” she added.
