ALMOST four years after a Chatsworth father was robbed, shot in the head and thrown over a bridge, two of three men convicted for his murder were sentenced in the Scottburgh High Court last week.
However, the family of 75-year-old Dougie Nelson, say they will only have closure and believe that justice has been fully-served, after a third man, Gadwin van Peer Chetty, who is believed to be “on the run”, is nabbed.
Adriano Everts, 24, of Cape Town, and Previn Gounder, 39, of Chatsworth, and Chetty, 40, of Malvern, were arrested and charged with murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and theft.
A fourth man, Yashan Nair, who was charged with theft and pleaded guilty, was sentenced to three years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years in the Durban High Court in February this year.
According to the indictments, Nelson, a retired welder was robbed of his vehicle, cellphone, and bank card, before being shot in the head and thrown over the Umzinto River Bridge on December 9, 2020.
In addition, R11 000 was withdrawn from his bank account via e-Wallet between December 10 and 12.
Nelson’s clothes and remains were found by his son on September 27, 2021. DNA analysis confirmed that it was Nelson in February 2022.
A subsequent post-mortem established Nelson’s cause of death to be “consistent with gunshot wound to the head”.
All three accused were arrested by investigating officer, Warrant Officer Bob Pillay, of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit.
At the start of trial, the three men pleaded not guilty to all charges.
However, in a turn of events, Chetty, who was out on bail, failed to appear before the court on the day judgement was expected to be handed down last Wednesday.
Rakesh Singh, the State prosecutor, brought an application for separation of trials, which was granted.
Acting Judge Mluleki Martin Chithi, in his judgement, said the state had proved its case against all three accused, beyond reasonable doubt.
The men, including Chetty, were found guilty on all charges. The court granted a warrant of arrest for Chetty.
Last Friday, Everts was sentenced to 25 years for murder, 10 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years for theft. The sentences will run concurrently.
Gounder was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and five years for theft. His sentences will also run concurrently.
Chetty will be sentenced following his arrest.
Adrian Nelson, one of his five sons, following the sentencing said: "we are grateful to the investigating officer and prosecutor for all their hard-work and dedication to ensuring that those responsible for our father’s killing have been convicted and sentenced.
"However, we will have closure and can begin to try to heal from all of our pain, once the accused who is on the run, is arrested and faces the consequences for his actions," he said.
Adrian added that losing a loved one is always devastating, but losing them in a "violent and sinister manner" leaves a wound that never fully heals.
"Our father was more than just a parent but the cornerstone of our family. We are not just grieving, we are struggling with the cruelty that took the life of a gentle and defenceless man. Our father was not only robbed of his life, but also the precious years he had left to enjoy his retirement.
"He was robbed of spending time with his children, grandchildren and wife of 42 years. He will also never get to enjoy the special occasion and milestones in our family, and neither will we be fully-able to enjoy it again," he said.