Priest ‘killed’ after a neighbour suffered a 'mental breakdown' and went on a panga attack

A FORMER KwaZulu-Natal priest died after he was hacked to death with a panga, allegedly by his neighbour who suffered a mental breakdown, last Wednesday.

The tragic killing of Guru Perumall Roy Naidoo, 65, of Actonville in Benoni, has left his family and community devastated. It has been alleged that Naidoo’s third door neighbour suffered a mental-breakdown and had been running through the street wielding the weapon, when Naidoo approached him.

Queenie Govender, Naidoo’s younger sister, said he was a hero. 

“We were told that this neighbour, who lives just three doors away from my brother’s home, had been running in the street with the panga from around midday. My brother, being the person he was and someone who always wanted to help others especially his community, tried to speak to his neighbour. 

“But then, the neighbour who did not seem to be in his right-mind frame, began attacking my brother. My brother did not stand a chance. He was 65-years-old. He could not even fight back. I later received a call from one of the neighbours that my brother was killed." 

Govender said Naidoo, who is formerly from Illovo on the KZN south coast, had served as a priest from a young age. 

“He had been spiritually-inclined since he was a young boy. He moved to Gauteng many years ago and had been living in that street for 21 years. He also had his own temple on the same premises he was renting. He would have prayer services in the week, as well as do all of the big prayers throughout the year. 

“My brother was also a man for the community. We were told that when this neighbour was running in the street, my brother ran out and told everyone to get inside. He possibly saved many lives that day as we can only imagine what would have happened if the neighbour continued to stay outside." 

Govender said she shared a strong-bond with her brother who has two children. 

“I live in the North-West province so we don't get to see each other as often as we would like. But we spoke over the phone every morning at 8am. Even on the day he was killed, we had spoken that morning. I last saw him at our sister’s 70th birthday in June, and we looked forward to getting together soon, but he was taken from us. We were six siblings and now we have become five." 

She said they were not calling for justice, but for the protection of others. 

“If this person who killed my brother is really mentally-unwell, then he needs to get treatment and be kept away from society. That will be the true justice for my brother. Unfortunately, we will never be able to heal from this loss.” 

Michelle Chelliah Singh, the founder of the Love Light Care Foundation in Lonehill - Sandton, said her husband introduced her to Naidoo 12 years ago, and late last year they both realised they were related.

“At the time, my husband introduced me to him as a religious leader. About four years ago, I approached him, as I knew he was well known in the community of Actonville. I sought his help to make meaningful changes by assisting the community with food hampers, clothing, toiletries, and offered free trauma counselling to those who needed it. Last year, while we were chatting, he wanted to know my surname. We then realised his grandfather and my great-father were brothers.  I fondly referred to him as 'Pa',” she said.

Chelliah Singh said his death was a major loss to the Actonville community. 

“He took care of thousands of people through various programmes with organisations, corporates and businesses. He was a good Samaritan, who always thought of others before himself. People sought his advice and held him in high esteem. He had converted a double garage into a temple and hosted bhajans and religious talks.”

Chelliah Singh said she and the ardent Sathya Sai devotee were planning on travelling to Prasanthi Nilayam, the main ashram and Samadhi Mandir of Sai Baba in Andhra Pradesh in November. 

She said the crime was heinous. 

"For a man to have been killed in this way, is unacceptable. He was butchered to death in public view.”

Imtiaz Loonat, ward 29 (Actonville) councillor, said: “It is an unfortunate and tragic incident. Roy was a good person. I met him on a number of occasions and we often held community meetings in front of his home. His death is a great loss to the community. We pray that the Almighty gives his family and those close to him strength during this difficult time.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, a Gauteng police spokesperson, said a 53-year-old suspect was arrested for murder and attempted murder.  He said upon arrival at the scene, police discovered Naidoo’s lifeless body and confronted the suspect. 

“He threatened them with a panga, attempting to attack police officials and damaging a state vehicle. In self-defence, a SAPS member shot the suspect. The suspect fled to his residence, where he was apprehended by police and is currently receiving medical treatment under police guard.”

Naidoo's funeral was held last Saturday.

THE POST