Workplace jealousy suspected in the murder of ‘successful’ logistics manager

WORKPLACE jealousy is alleged to be the motive for the murder of former Phoenix resident, Neville Ramsamy, 32, who was ambushed by two gunmen and shot 13 times, as he entered the gates of the logistics company where he worked as an operations manager.

Ramsamy had relocated to Johannesburg in 2010 for better work opportunities.

He was shot on the morning of May 13 and died three days later in hospital from multiple bullet wounds to his shoulders, chest and abdomen. His body was released to his family on May 19. Ramsamy's funeral service took place in Johannesburg last Tuesday and in Phoenix, last Thursday.

His older brother, who did not want to be named because he feared for his life, said while they were baffled by his murder, they could not rule out the possibility that it was linked to workplace jealousy.

“Neville was very successful at work. He moved to Johannesburg for better opportunities about 15 years ago, and started working at MK Logistics in Meyerton 10 years ago.

“He quickly rose up the ranks and in no time was promoted to operations manager. At the time of the incident, Neville was driving an unmarked company vehicle. He was ambushed at the entrance of his workplace. According to the information we received, there were two gunmen.

“Both suspects approached him as he drove up to the entrance. One shot at him and the other did not. There was a getaway vehicle parked nearby, and there was one person in that vehicle. Thankfully, a quick thinking security guard from the company shot at the suspect as he opened fire on my brother. He was later arrested by police. The other suspect fled to the getaway vehicle and they sped off,” he said.

The distraught brother said Neville had climbed up the ranks at work quickly and was successful at his job.

“We believe that jealousy at work could have led to this. Neville was a jovial person and had  a good heart. He never had any enemies. As a family, we cannot believe he was killed in such a violent manner.

“He was shot in cold blood. Hardened criminals or gangsters are usually killed like this… not someone like Neville who was so full of life and never harmed anyone. We are struggling to find a reason as to why anyone would kill our brother in such a brutal way." 

He said they were following up several leads to get to the bottom of his brother’s murder, including going through his phone.

“He lived for the moment and loved braais and family. He never fought or argued with anyone. Nothing unusual happened prior to the shooting and his murder is a mystery to us. We are trying to get his phone unlocked, so we can find clues or information as to who may have arranged this hit. 

“We had two funerals to accommodate his friends and our family. It was a traumatic experience and really tough on us from the day he was shot until his cremation at the Verulam Crematorium,” he added.

 “Until we get closure and my brother’s killer/s are brought to book, we are seeking comfort in each other and hanging onto the good memories of Neville,” he added.

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