Phoenix man killed over parking dispute: neighbours arrested

THE family of a Phoenix man, who was killed in full view of his parents after a dispute with his neighbours over parking, are outraged that the two men arrested for his murder have been released on bail.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

Nico Naidoo, 35, a psychology student and employee at a private security company, was allegedly stabbed and pushed down the staircase of his home in Rydalvale, on May 30.

He died from his injuries on May 31.

Leon Vengatasamy, 40, and Justin Kattroyen, 33, who are believed to live two houses away from Naidoo, appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Friday on a charge of murder and were released on R3 000 bail each.

Naidoo’s sister, Nadelene Govender, said: "My brother’s alleged killers are allowed to walk the streets. They are getting on with their lives while our family has been ripped apart by Nico’s death."

She said on the night of the incident, her brother had parked his car outside their home

He was still seated in his vehicle when his neighbour approached him at about 6pm.

She said the man had moved into the neighbourhood about a year ago and that was the first time her brother had spoken to him.

"He asked my brother to move his vehicle so that his relative who was visiting could park in that space. My brother told him that he was parked in his own premises and questioned why he should move his vehicle.