Clairwood family lives in fear after son’s murder

The violent murder of beloved son and brother, Sanjay Juggernath (34) on Saturday, 22 December 2018 on his way home has rocked the Clairwood-based family.

The Montclair gym owner was killed in a hail of bullets as he returned to his Clairwood home.
On hearing the gunfire, Sanjay’s parents went to investigate and found him lying in the road.

According to Brighton Beach SAPS spokesman Captain Louise Le Roux, four men aged between 28 and 41 were arrested and a firearm seized following Sanjay’s murder, which took place at the height of the festive season.
The Juggernath family said Sanjay’s death came after his brother, Ritesh Juggernath’s bottle store was robbed at gunpoint on 25 November by men they suspect were drug dealers. The family believes the same men were responsible for both crimes.
Sanjay’s older brother, Sanesh said it has been a hard time for the family as they have not only tragically lost the ‘family’s angel’ but now also live in constant fear. “These two incidents have become more than just a cause for concern among our family, having witnessed the brutal attack and assassination in a place we have always known as home. We are now at a point where we are taking extreme safety measures daily,” said Sanesh.
He added that Ritesh has received threats from one of the men who is in hospital under police guard.
Brighton Beach SAPS confirmed the first incident happened within the Clairwood area, in which a robbery took place at a liquor outlet. “The suspects were identified and several attempts were made to apprehend the individuals, yet they eluded police. A case of robbery with a firearm was opened,” explained Capt Le Roux.
“Four men were arrested, and have been charged with murder and the robbery with a firearm for the first incident that took place on 25 November. Both these cases are being investigated by a senior investigator attached to the Brighton Beach SAPS detective services. One suspect made his first appearance in court and was remanded in custody to Westville prison. The remaining three suspects have not yet appeared in court as they are under police guard in hospital, recovering from gunshot injuries,” explained Capt Le Roux.  She said the gunmen sustained gunshot wounds in a shootout at the time of Sanjay’s murder. Police recovered two firearms at the scene, one of which was registered to Sanjay.

Sanesh said despite he and his brothers’ poor upbringing, they all shared the same drive and determination to make something of themselves and steer clear of the crime that plagues their community. Sanjay lived an honest life that revolved around following his passion and career of bodybuilding as well as empowering the communities of Montclair and Clairwood.

“Sanjay welcomed anyone and everyone into the gym he opened in Montclair, which also served as a crime deterrent for the youth. He also later opened a club that served as a hub for young and upcoming DJs in the area,” said Sanesh, looking back on the wholesome and inspiring life of his younger brother whom the family are mourning.