AN ALLEGED DRUG LORD AT LOTUS GARDENS DENIED BAIL
The Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court denied bail to Kishen Pillay (40), a man who is alleged to be a drug lord, at Lotus Gardens. The accused is facing a charge of murder and five counts of attempted murder. It is alleged that on 11 September 2022, Pillay had an altercation with one of the victims in the matter. Pillay allegedly assaulted the victim, who later told his friends what happened. It is alleged that Pillay shot Tshilidzi Madiba (30) and was declared dead a few hours after arriving at the hospital.
Pillay handed himself over to the police on 20 September 2022 and has been in custody since. During the evidence in chief, the investigating officer testified that should the accused be released on bail, he is likely to commit another crime, as he currently has a pending case of murder at Brits Magistrates’ Court. He also read out a petition with signatures of the Lotus Gardens community members, stating that Pillay was terrorising the community and is said to be a drug lord. The community in the petition asked for the court not to release the accused on bail.
It was also put on record that before this incident, the police had confiscated his licensed firearm and drugs, which are still being analysed at the lab. However, Pillay through his attorney asked to be released on bail, but the state opposed his bail application.
In delivering her judgement, the magistrate said the state has a strong case against Pillay, and that he failed to provide evidence that satisfies the court that exceptional circumstances exist, in which the interest of justice does not permit further detention. Furthermore, he is a danger to the witnesses, their families, and the community.
The matter was adjourned to 17 October 2022, for allocation at the regional court.
