Overview
- A 39-year-old suspect, identified as Keith Chetty, appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on a murder charge following the weekend killing of nurse Aleyka Shaik in Northdale.
- Police said an argument preceded the attack, and Shaik’s husband said the suspect entered her car and told her, “I would never want you to be happy,” before stabbing her in the stomach.
- Shaik’s seven-year-old daughter witnessed the assault, escaped the vehicle, and ran for help, according to the family’s account.
- Chetty fled the scene and was captured about two hours later in Woodlands by community members working with law enforcement, and investigators say the case remains active.
- Family, local councillors, and activists condemned the killing of the 34-year-old, who was five months pregnant with twins, and they urged stronger prevention and accountability for violence against women.