From killer to crusader: Ravi Naidoo's fight against drug abuse

A former gang leader and convicted murderer has dedicated his life to combating drug abuse after serving 25 years in prison. YOSHINI PERUMAL tells his journey from a life of crime to becoming a beacon of hope for communities plagued by addiction

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A CONVICTED killer and rapist who was sentenced to death by hanging in 1988, is using his second chance at life to fight against drug abuse and help ex-offenders reintegrate into society.

Ravi Naidoo, 61, was the leader of the Phoenix 5 gang and was convicted for the murder of his boss's wife, Sonia Austin — the owner of House of Pearls in Morningside - and the rape and attempted murder of her two domestic helpers, during an armed robbery on October 20, 1987.

At the time, Naidoo and his gang members, Brian Naidoo, Narainsamy Moodley, Krishna Moonsamy, and Peter Anthony were found guilty of murder, two counts of attempted murder, sexual assault, rape and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Naidoo, was 23-years-old at the time and his co-accused were teenagers and in their early 20s. They were all sentenced to death by hanging in 1988.

But the case was adjourned until 1990, when a five-year moratorium on capital punishment was instated.

When the death sentence was abolished in June 1995, Naidoo was given a life sentence plus 38 years imprisonment for his crimes.

He was released from prison on April 13, 2012.

Speaking to the POST, Naidoo said he had lived a violent life and only found his purpose in prison. During his incarceration, he obtained three diplomas and four national certificates.

A violent teenager and leader of the Phoenix 5 Gang

Naidoo was born in Greenwood Park and his family later moved to Phoenix, where he grew up. He attended Phoenix Secondary School, but dropped out in Grade 11 after his girlfriend, who was in the same grade, fell pregnant.

He said his teenage years were fuelled by drugs and alcohol.