WARD 34 councillor, Bobby Maharajh welcomed a life sentence for Spamandla Buthelezi, who was convicted of the murder of Vermana ‘Kelly’ Chetty who fatally shot during a botched hijacking on Prince Mhlangane Road in Avoca on 30 May, 2018.
The father of two was shot in front of his children during the hijacking. In addition to the life sentence, Buthelezi, was jailed for an additional 136 years for crimes dating back to 2016.
The tragic loss was felt across the ward, said Maharajh who recalled the night of the shooting.
“I was there the night it happened. I got a message that a man had been shot in his hand. Then, later I heard he had been passed away and I jumped into the car and raced to the scene. All I saw was the car and it turned out that it was Kelly,” recalled Maharajh.
Read also: Justice for Avoca father shot in botched hijacking
The councillor hopes the sentence will bring closure after a long road of recovery for the family and community in the ward.
“It’s taken a couple of years, but the law has run its course. My heart goes out to the family for what they had to experience over the last couple of years. I believe that justice has been served. The police have done a good job. The attorneys that addressed the case on behalf of the family in court have done a great job,” said Maharajh.
Read also:Two arrested for uMhlanga robbery
He added that many spoke well of Chetty who was well-liked in the community.
“This has been extremely traumatic for the family. The murder took place in an extremely tragic way. They have been through so much. It’s a readjustment for the wife and children left behind,” he added.
You can also sign up for news alerts on Telegram. Send us a Telegram message (not an SMS) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5532. 
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
