Families of victims of drive-by shootings in South Africa share their heart-wrenching stories of loss and frustration as they continue to seek justice for their loved ones. Matilda Maistry said her family was still reeling from the loss of her nephew, Teage Cole, when her sister and brother-in-law were killed in separate drive-by shootings in Phoenix.
Maistry’s nephew was gunned down outside his home in Grove End, Phoenix, in April 2023. Her sister, Micaela Pillay, and brother-in-law, Delon Jaganath, both 27, were killed outside their home in Clayfield in July 2024. The couple received death threats before they were killed.
Seeking Justice for Loved Ones
Maistry said there had been no feedback on the case. “I met the investigating officer once and never heard from her again.” She struggled to cope after her sister’s death. “I live on medication for the depression. It has been one year and nine months, and I still don’t have closure. I want justice. I want the people who robbed us of them to pay for their heartless actions.”
Brandon Pillay, a former member of Parliament and community activist in Bayview, Chatsworth, said there was no progress in his brothers’ cases. In October 2022, Seelan Vispanathan Pillay, 49, a former police officer, was killed in a drive-by shooting while seated in his vehicle at a shopping complex on Lenny Naidu Drive in Bayview, Chatsworth. He was also a private investigator and chairperson of the Bayview Community Police Forum.
Investigation Status
Terrance Omanathan Subramoney, 48, was killed in a drive-by shooting at the intersection of Havenside Drive and Lenny Naidu Drive in December 2023. “What is frustrating and disappointing is the lack of communication – not a single update from the investigating officers or police. I have tried on many occasions to find out if there are developments in their cases, but I hit a brick wall,” Pillay said. He added that there was sufficient video footage on Seelan’s shooting, but there was no feedback on the analysis.
According to the South African Police Service, drive-by shootings are a serious concern in the country. Pillay said his family had not moved past losing two siblings in 13 months. “We will never recover and we will never heal. We take each day as it comes. Birthdays, Christmas and family gatherings are never the same.”
Some of the key challenges faced by families of drive-by shooting victims include:
- Lack of communication from investigating officers
- Insufficient evidence analysis
- Delayed or no justice for the victims
As the families of drive-by shooting victims continue to seek justice, they hope that their stories will raise awareness about the issue and prompt authorities to take action. For more information on the crime situation in South Africa, visit the relevant resources.
