Murder accused abandons bail in Aleyka Shaik case

Murder accused Keith Chetty (39) has abandoned his bail application. Pietermaritzburg State Prosecutor Philile Phoswa told the court that she was advised by the Defence that Chetty abandoned his bid for bail and he would like to approach the state to approach the State for a plea negotiation. Chetty is accused of the murder of his ex-wife, 34-year-old Pietermaritzburg nurse Aleyka Shaik.

Shaik was stabbed while fetching her daughter from Chetty’s relative’s home in March. At the time of her death, Shaik was recently remarried and was five months pregnant with twins. Gender-based violence (GBV) activists and family members who attended the case left the court as soon as the matter was heard.

Before the start of the case, family, community members and councillors called for swift justice. DA Msunduzi Caucus leader Ross Strachan said more should be done to ensure that the families receive swift justice.