Calls for triple murder charges as man appears for murder of pregnant ex-wife

Gender-based violence (GBV) activists have called for Northdale resident Keith Chetty (39) to be charged with triple murder, rather than the single murder count he faces for the killing of his ex-wife, nurse Aleyka Shaik (34), who was pregnant with twins, on Sunday evening. Chetty appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he was formally charged. Dressed in a tracksuit top, Chetty looked around the courtroom, appearing to search for family members seated in the public gallery.

When asked if he understood the charge against him, he replied: “Yes.” Moments later, loud sobs broke out from his family in court. Chetty will remain in custody until his formal bail application next Tuesday. State prosecutor Philile Phoswa told the court that his profile and alternative address still need to be verified ahead of the bail hearing.

Chetty allegedly attacked Shaik at around 6pm on Sunday in Northdale. Shaik was stabbed multiple times. It is believed the incident occurred as she was placing her child into her vehicle. Outside court, GBV activists said the charge should be upgraded, noting that Shaik was five months pregnant with twins.