'Second extramarital affair' said to be motive for triple killing in Phoenix

10 April 2019 - 12:25
By LWANDILE BHENGU
Collin Pillay made a brief appearance in the Verulam Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. The indictment alleges Pillay first killed two girls and then their mother when she returned home.
Image: Jackie Clausen Collin Pillay made a brief appearance in the Verulam Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. The indictment alleges Pillay first killed two girls and then their mother when she returned home.

An extramarital affair is behind the killing of a Phoenix mother and her two daughters at their home in 2018, according to an indictment lodged by the state. 

Collin Pillay, 45, stands accused of murdering Jane Govindsamy and her two daughters‚ Rackelle‚ 16‚ and Denisha‚ 22‚ in their Phoenix flat on September 21.

Pillay made a brief appearance in the Verulam Magistrate's Court on Wednesday where he was indicted on three counts of murder and theft.

According to court documents, on the morning of the murders Pillay suspected that Jane was involved in another extramarital relationship outside of the one she was having with him.

At the time of her death Jane was living in the house with her husband, Sagren. The Sunday Times reported that Pillay had a longstanding relationship with Jane‚ which Sagren Govindsamy has strongly denied. 

The indictment tells chilling details of how Pillay first killed Rackelle and Denisha, hid their bodies and waited for Jane to return home.

A nine-day trial is expected to begin at the Durban High Court in July.