Chilkana Baktawer.
Image: Supplied
There has been calls for justice after the man accused of assaulting and shooting a Centurion mother in the back of her head - and in front of her two young daughters - appeared in court today (Friday).
Chilkana Baktawer, 44, was shot and killed, allegedly by a known person, in her home in Freya Street, Valhalla, on Tuesday morning.
According to reports, she was in the kitchen with her daughters, aged 10 and 7, when the suspect allegedly entered the home, assaulted her, and then shot her.
The suspect, who was arrested and charged with murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court.
The case was adjourned to next week.
Captain Johan van Dyk, spokesperson for the Tshwane District SAPS, said it was alleged that an Indian male suspect unlawfully gained entry by jumping over the wall into Baktawer’s yard at around 7am.
He said the suspect then shot Baktawer once in the back of the head.
“The bullet penetrated the skull, resulting in fatal injuries. The victim was declared dead at the scene. The incident occurred in the presence of the victim’s two children.”
Van Dyk said the suspect fled the scene immediately after the incident.
“Preliminary investigations led the team to the suspect’s residence at Hammerfist Street, Valhalla, where a 9mm Taurus pistol with an obliterated serial number, as well as one magazine containing 15 rounds of ammunition, were found hidden under a couch.
“Following the incident, the investigating team placed the suspect in the Laudium area and followed up on the information. Members of SAPS, together with private security, conducted follow-up operations at three identified addresses linked to the suspect. However, the suspect was not found,” he said.
Van Dyk said information was received that the suspect’s vehicle had been spotted in the Montana area.
“The team immediately followed up. Upon noticing the police, the suspect attempted to flee but was successfully cornered and apprehended at a mall in Wonderboom.
“At the time of arrest, the suspect was driving a white VW Golf 7R. A revolver with an obliterated serial number, as well as four fully loaded magazines, were recovered from the vehicle.
“The suspect was subsequently transferred to Wierdabrug SAPS, where he was detained for the main charge of murder, as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” he said.
Members of the Democratic Alliance held a protest outside the Pretoria Magistrate's Court, calling for justice and that bail be denied. Seen, in the front, are councillors, Leon Kruyshaar, Novina Pillay and Phuti Kwenaite.
Image: Supplied
Meanwhile, members of the Democratic Alliance (DA) protested outside the court today, calling for justice and that bail be denied.
Leon Kruyshaar, a DA ward councillor in Tshwane, shared in a Facebook post that it was not just a violation of the law but a “barbaric” assault on the sanctity of the home and the safety of children.
“We oppose bail on the urgent grounds of extreme brutality and premeditation. The accused did not just use a firearm; he allegedly assaulted Chilkana before executing her at point-blank range. This level of violence demonstrates a clear danger to society.”
Kruyshaar, who is also a member of the DA's Community Safety and Social Development Section 79 Oversight Committee in Tshwane, said the incident also caused trauma to minors.
“This murder was committed in front of two young daughters, aged 10 and 7. These children are the primary witnesses. Releasing the accused poses an unthinkable psychological and physical threat to these survivors.”
Kruyshaar said the accused was also a flight risk and there was possibly an evasion of justice.
“The accused fled the scene and successfully evaded law enforcement for 36 hours before being apprehended. This behaviour indicates a high probability that he will attempt to abscond if granted bail.”
He added that there were concerns of public outrage and safety.
“The Valhalla and Laudium communities are rightfully incensed. Granting bail would undermine public confidence in the justice system and could lead to civil unrest.
“We call on the magistrate to prioritise the safety of the two young girls and the public interest over the liberty of the accused. We demand justice for Chilkana and no bail,” he said.
Baktawer’s funeral was held on Thursday.