Grieving father pleads for justice for his murdered son

A grieving father’s quest for justice continues four months since the tragic double murder of his 13-year-old son Mikai Joshua Chetty and Mikai’s grandmother, Vinmala Chetty, at their home in Sim Place, Effingham.

Mikai, a pupil at the Glen Ashley Preparatory School, and his grandmother were found brutally murdered on October 6, 2024. Despite on-going investigations by Greenwood Park SAPS, no arrests have been made.

In a public appeal, Mikai’s father, Shardain Lance Chetty, expressed his anguish and frustration with the pace of the investigation recently.

“There can be no peace without justice. There can be no justice without truth, and there can be no truth unless someone rises up to tell the truth,” he said.

Mikai, a Grade 7 pupil, had excelled academically, earning nine distinctions in his third term last year. His teachers and peers remember him as a bright, cherished pupil with a promising future.

The father, now spearheading efforts to seek justice, has started a public campaign and on social media through a Facebook page “Justice for Mikai Chetty”, urging anyone with information about the murders to come forward.

“All we ask is for the authorities to give our child’s case the urgency and importance that it deserves,” he said.

The residence on Sim Place, where the tragedy occurred, has become a sombre reminder of the devastating loss.

“Mikai lived there with his mother and grandmother (his mother’s mother), a home once filled with love and laughter now overshadowed by grief,” said Mr Chetty.

Greenwood Park SAPS confirmed that they were investigating the case as a double murder but have yet to apprehend any suspects.

Mr Chetty’s plea is simple: “I appeal to the public for your assistance in bringing this matter to light. We cannot let Mikai and my mother’s deaths go unanswered.”

Anyone with information on the murders is requested to contact the Greenwood Park SAPS.