Chatsworth under siege

Home invasion: Hare Krishna devotee killed moments after returning from doing seva at temple

- YOSHINI PERUMAL AND MONISHKA GOVENDER

MOMENTS after a devotee returned home from doing his seva (selfless service) at the Hare Krishna Temple, in Chatsworth, he was gunned down by a lone robber in the driveway of his Crossmoor house.

Since his retirement as an electrician, Jeeva Pillay, 63, spent his days volunteering at the temple.

At around 3pm on Monday, he had returned to his Bottlebrush Crescent home, after helping prepare meals at the temple, when he was killed.

His brother-in-law, Kay Mohamed, said Pillay was accosted as he attempted to close the driveway gate.

“Jeeva saw the gunman and tried to close the gate. But the suspect opened fire on him. Jeeva ran into the yard after he was shot, and the suspect followed him.

“He shot him again. By this time, my wife Saroj had heard the gunshots and ran outside. The man then shot at her as she tried to get to Jeeva. Sadly, the bullet hit our dog Kai, who had jumped in front of her to protect her.

“My wife and Kai were very close. Kai was 3 years old and he was her baby. He followed her everywhere, and was afraid of fireworks and loud sounds. But the gunshots did not stop him. He ran outside to protect my wife. Kai took a bullet for her,” added Mohamed.

He said the gunman then fled without taking anything from Pillay.

Pillay sustained six gunshot wounds to his chest, lower body and legs.

His brother, who was home at the time of the shooting, rushed him to hospital, where he died a few hours later.

Mohamed said Pillay was humble and kind, and since his retirement had volunteered his time at the Hare Krishna Temple.