Dalen Gounden
Image: Supplied
A Chatsworth family was left disappointed after the charge against their son’s alleged killer was provisionally withdrawn.
Dalen Gounden, 23, of Montford, was allegedly shot and killed during an argument with his friend while they were travelling along the R102 near Illovo Beach on September 26 last year.
Shortly thereafter, Dilyn Keeanu Naidoo, 26, of Hillary, handed himself over to the police and was charged with murder.
Naidoo, who was employed by a security company, was later released on R6,000 bail.
However, on Wednesday during an appearance in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court, the charge against the father of one was provisionally withdrawn pending finalisation of the investigation.
According to a source, forensic evidence and video footage were still outstanding.
Speaking to the POST, Nagentheran Gounden, Dalen’s father, said: “We are quite disappointed, but we still have hope as the charge was only provisionally withdrawn. We hope that once the investigation is complete, the State can confidently reinstate the charge, proceed with the case to trial and secure a conviction.”
Gounden added that the family was still coming to terms with their son’s death.
“It has not been easy. We still feel the pain every day. Life is not the same. We used to look forward to the weekends and spending time together either at home or going out. Now, we don't go out unless it is to work or the shop. Our home feels empty.”
At the time, Nancy Moonsamy, Dalen’s aunt, said he left home on Friday afternoon to meet friends at a nearby soccer field.
She said in the early hours of Saturday, his father received an SMS from the vehicle tracking company stating that the battery in Dalen’s car had been disconnected, and that they had lost the signal on the vehicle’s tracking device.
She said Gounden was told that Dalen’s vehicle was last located at the Amanzimtoti police station.
Moonsamy said when Dalen’s parents arrived at the station they were informed he had been shot and killed during an argument.
She described Dalen as a respectful young man who was always willing to help those in need.
She said he worked as an administrative clerk after matriculating from Arena Park Secondary.
“He was a bright young man. He loved watching soccer and was an ardent Chelsea fan.”
At the time, Colin Venkadu, the chairman of Montford Heights Football Club, said Dalen was a midfielder and had joined the club three years ago.
He said his nickname was “DB”, the initials of his favourite former English professional footballer, David Beckham.
“On the field, he was referred to as ‘the trickster’ because he was always full of tricks. He will be missed by everyone at the club and our hearts go out to his family,” said Venkadu.