Durban: When Deven Naidoo received a call informing him that his wife had been hijacked, the first person he called for help was his neighbour, Duane Balkrishna.
What Naidoo did not know was that Balkrishna, 49, had already tried to assist and, in the process, had been shot in the head.
The drama unfolded just after 6am last Thursday when Naidoo’s wife, Reshma, 52, returned home after dropping him off at work in Prospection. They live in a complex in Isipingo Rail.
Naidoo, who works as a production supervisor, said his wife, a teacher, was getting out of her double-cab bakkie, which she had parked in the driveway, when two men with firearms approached her.
"The hijackers gained entry into the property by jumping over the fence. They demanded the keys to her vehicle and threatened to kill her if she did not comply. She was hysterical and screamed for help. Duane heard her cries and ran to her aid."
Naidoo said that as the hijackers saw Balkrishna approach, they opened fire and shot him in the head.
"The hijackers then used the remote on the vehicle keys to open the gate and flee. Neighbours called police and a security company for help. Duane was airlifted to hospital where he later died."
Naidoo said he was alerted to the hijacking by another neighbour, Deven Pillay.
"I was at work. I did not have a vehicle. The first person I tried to call was Duane. I knew he would be able to help. My call went unanswered and a few seconds later Deven Pillay called to tell me Duane had been shot."
Naidoo said a friend from work drove him home.
"I am shattered by Duane's passing. He just heard my wife's cries for help and did not think twice about going to investigate. I am eternally grateful to Duane for saving my wife's life. If it was not for him, I don't know what would have happened. My wife is so traumatised by everything. She is trying to lend her support to Duane family."
Naidoo said they were going for counselling.
Deven said he and Balkrishna had been neighbours for more than 21 years.
"He was not just a neighbour or a friend. He was a brother to my wife and I. Together with Deven Pillay, our families celebrated Christmas, New Year and birthdays together. We were so close that even our extended families would invite each of us to their functions. We shared a special bond."
He said Balkrishna lived to serve the community.
"He was a leader and a righteous man who has left a legacy. He was our go-to person when we needed anything. During the unrest in July, he was instrumental in setting up patrols and distributing food to those families who did not have anything."
Naidoo said crime had increased in the area.
"We have hijackings and house robberies on a daily basis. Duane patrolled with the community policing forum (CPF). We always have to be alert because the area is dangerous. We will be able to get closure once the person responsible for the shooting is arrested."
Balkrishna was cremated at the Clare Estate Crematorium on Sunday.
Aidan David, the chairperson of the CPF in Isipingo, said: "Duane is a hero and will always be remembered as a hero in Isipingo. He became actively involved in the forum after the looting."
David said crime was a concern.
"We have incidents from petty crimes to serious incidents. The SAPS is understaffed. We saw this during the unrest. One way to prevent crime is for the community to stand together. We need more people to get involved in patrols. Once criminals see a strong and united community they will think twice before committing crimes in that area."
Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, a provincial police spokesperson, said a case of murder was being investigated by the Isipingo SAPS.
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