Court hears Phoenix triple murder accused assaulted in custody
The man accused of the murders of a Phoenix mother and her two daughters claims he was assaulted whilst in custody and says he fears for his life.
The 45-year-old man was arrested after the bodies of 44-year-old Jane Govindsamy, 22-year-old Denisha and 16-year-old Nikita were found in their Longcroft Drive home on Friday.
Collin Pillay walked into the dock after allegedly suffering an anxiety attack outside court prior to his appearance.
Paramedics had to be
called and he was put on a drip.
Once court was in session State prosecutor, San Bhartu asked for a two-and-a-half week postponement to allow for further investigations and for Pillay to be kept in the Phoenix police holding cells until his formal bail application.
The court has heard that detectives still have to check the suspect’s alibi, access the contents of his phone and wait for post-mortem results on the three victims – among other reasons.
But Pillay’s attorney, Chris Gounden objected to both requests – and instead requested a one week postponement and for his client to be moved to Westville Prison until the bail hearing.
At that point, Pillay pulled up his shirt to show Magistrate Irfaan Khalil the marks he claimed were as a result of the assault he suffered at the hands of officers at Phoenix Police Station.
ALSO READ: Phoenix triple murder suspect 'known to the family'
Prosecutor Bhartu then countered that the marks on Pillay’s chest were in fact sustained during Pillay’s anxiety attack before court.
After listening to both sides, Magistrate Khalil ruled that the accused would be sent to Westville Prison as there were no beds at the police holding cells.
Pillay’s bail application will be heard next week.