Keith Chetty
Image: Supplied
A Pietermaritzburg man accused of stabbing and killing his ex-wife, Aleyka Shaik, has abandoned his bid for bail.
Keith Chetty, 39, who was charged with the murder of 34-year-old Shaik, who was five months pregnant with twins, appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
Chetty and Shaik shared a seven-year-old daughter together.
It is alleged that an argument ensued between Shaik and Chetty while she was picking up their daughter from his home in Northdale on March 29.
Aleyka Shaik
Image: Supplied
At the time, Shaik’s husband, Tristen (Aahil) Arjuna, alleged his wife was ambushed while seated in her vehicle.
He said the daughter witnessed her mother being stabbed to death, and had recounted the details to him.
Speaking to the POST on Tuesday, Arjuna said while he was relieved that Chetty had abandoned his bid for bail, he would not get his wife back.
“I cannot believe I am living this life without Aleyka. Not seeing her every day and going through life without her by our side has broken not just me, but her daughter, parents, family members and friends.
“Waking up every day and not hearing her, seeing her beautiful smile or listening to her laugh has shattered me. His actions have robbed all of us of a gentle, happy and humble person who lived to enjoy every moment with her family and friends,” he said.
Community members held a placard demonstration outside the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court.
Image: Supplied
Shamiell Ally, an IFP PR Councillor in the Msunduzi Municipality, who has attended the court appearances, said he was hoping for a lengthy sentence.
“This was a ruthless and senseless killing. It was a barbaric act that has shocked our community. He abandoned his bid for bail because he knew in the interest of justice, it would not have been granted. But, we are now saying that he should stay in jail for life. He took not just one, but three lives. He should get three life sentences.
“We will continue to protest during every court appearance until there is justice for Aleyka and her unborn twins. He must be handed a lengthy sentence for his actions,” he said.