'Sugar Popz': from looter and drug lord to community hero

PHOENIX crime boss "Sugar Popz" Chetty got his "street name" when he allegedly started selling Sugars as a teenager in the community, a source told the POST this week.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER and YOSHINI PERUMAL

Chetty was killed in a hit on Friday, at his business property in Claymanor, in Trenance Manor.

The source alleged Chetty was notorious in the community for dealing in drugs and illicit cigarettes.

He was arrested in 2021 during the July unrest, after he was caught with a refrigerator on the roof of his vehicle.

"When police stopped him to question him, he withdrew a firearm, assaulted a police officer and then fled with the help of the community. The community was in a frenzy and they tried to stop the police from arresting him," claimed the source.

"When police got to his shop, they found thousands of rand worth of drugs and illegal cigarettes. He had the community's support because he helped them financially.

"He was charged with looting, and being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and drugs," added the source.

Another source in the community claimed "Sugar Popz" got his "street name" when he first started dealing in sugars, as a teenager.