Men jailed for pensioner’s murder

The murder of Dougie Nelson has been described as heinous and has left his family in emotional turmoil.

Nelson, aged 75, of Chatsworth, was reported missing on December 9, 2020. Many months later, his remains were found in Umzinto.

He disappeared one night after going to a friend’s house for supper, advised them he would go to a shop before heading home and was never seen again.

It is believed that he was robbed of his vehicle, cellphone and bank cards before being shot in the head and tossed over the Umzinto River bridge. Large amounts of money were withdrawn via his bank cards.

Now, four years later, his family is still seeking justice as one of the suspects is still on the run.

However, Previn Gounder and Adriano Everts were arrested and charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and theft, while Gadwin Van Peer Chetty is now a wanted person.

At the Scottburgh High Court last month, Everts was sentenced to 25 years for murder, 10 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years for theft. The sentences will run concurrently.

Gounder was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years for theft. His sentences will also run concurrently.

Yashan Nair, the fourth suspect, was charged with theft and had pleaded guilty and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment suspended for five years in the Durban High Court in February.

The family’s spokesperson, Dawn Gounden, from Renegades Search & Rescue, said the details of the incident have left them reeling, struggling to come to terms with the loss of their beloved relative.

“The Acting Judge at the Scottburgh High Court, Judge Mluleki Martin Chithi, in his judgement, had stated that the State had proved its case against all three accused, beyond reasonable doubt,” explained Gounden.

The three men were found guilty on all charges, and the court granted a warrant of arrest for Gadwin Van Peer Chetty.

Gounden said that even though the three were sentenced recently, the family is still grappling with overwhelming emotions of grief and anger.

“As they navigate through their grief, they are faced with seeking justice for Dougie and finding ways to cope. The support of their community and the cherished memories of Dougie’s life and legacy serve as beacons of hope and solace in their darkest hour.”

An appeal is made to the public to come forward with any information regarding Van Peer Chetty. Contact Gounden on 074 7125855.

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