Chilkana Baktawer.
Image: Supplied
A GAUTENG mother who was “on the run” from her allegedly abusive partner, was shot dead in front of her two young daughters, last week.
Chilkana Baktawer, 44, was in the kitchen with her daughters, aged 10 and 7, when she was allegedly assaulted and shot in the head in her home in Valhalla, Centurion.
Kesavan Pillay, who was arrested and charged with murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, made his second appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court yesterday (Tuesday).
The matter was adjourned for further investigation.
A close friend, who did not want to be named, said they demanded justice.
“For more than a decade, she was abused. When Chilkana finally thought she got away from the abuse, she was killed in front of her two young daughters.
“About five months ago, Chilkana had taken their two girls and left their home in Laudium to live at a property owned by her father in Valhalla. But then, around January, the home was petrol-bombed, destroying all their belongings. Thankfully, she and the girls were not at the house at that time. After that incident, she was on the run, staying at different hotels or family homes. She recently went back to the house in Valhalla, where her life was taken,” she said.
The friend said Baktawer often shared with her the alleged abuse she endured.
“I remember one incident a few years ago when she called me at around 5am, pleading for help. She kept saying ‘I need you’. It was a cold winter morning. I threw on my gown and shoes, and walked to the graveyard, to find her sitting there. Her face was purple and black. People in the community knew what she was going through because she never stayed quiet. When she finally got a chance, she escaped, but she had received threats on her life.
“She was always accused of cheating, but we knew and saw the type of person Chilkana was. She focused only on her daughters who were her pride and joy. She was always seen taking them to school, tuition classes, dance lessons, or on outings. The only time her girls were not with her was when they were at school. The saddest part was that her eldest daughter turned 11 years old on the same day of Chilkana’s funeral last Thursday. How will she ever be able to celebrate a birthday again?”
The friend described Baktawer as having a “beautiful soul”.
“She was the most loveliest person, with a good personality and the most giving heart. Despite dealing with her own problems, she was always willing to listen and help others where she could.
“All we need is justice for Chilkana and her girls who witnessed their mother being killed. We were told that before she was shot, she pleaded for her killer to stop for the sake of her children. This was an inhumane killing, and the perpetrator should never be able to walk free again.”
Captain Johan van Dyk, spokesperson for the Tshwane District SAPS, said it was alleged that the 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 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.
Meanwhile, the DA and community members protested outside the court on Friday, and this week called for justice and for bail to be denied.
Leon Kruyshaar, a DA ward councillor in Tshwane, said that her killing 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 Baktawer before executing her at point-blank range. This level of violence demonstrates a clear danger to society.”
Kruyshaar 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.”
He added that there were also 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 that bail be denied,” he said.