Father's heartbreak over son's death: Murder charges dropped against Teddy Mafia's nephew
Poobalan Pillay, a father from Shallcross, expresses his heartbreak and betrayal by the justice system after charges against three men accused of murdering his son, Justin Pillay, are provisionally withdrawn. Despite evidence and witness statements, the trial's unexpected halt leaves the family seeking answers and justice.
A South African father who was a crucial witness in his son's murder case feels "betrayed by the justice system" after charges were withdrawn against the three men accused of killing his son. Poobalan Pillay, 70, was sleeping when armed men entered his home and shot his son, Justin Pillay, over 40 times. Nashlin Krishin, the nephew of notorious drug lord Teddy Mafia, and two others were arrested in October 2025 for Justin's murder.
The accused were in custody when trial was scheduled to begin, but a day before, Poobalan's sister Sarah was informed by a prosecutor that he was not a credible witness due to his health issues. Despite the existence of evidence, including witness statements and video footage, the three accused were released on Wednesday after their charges were provisionally withdrawn.
Poobalan, who had a stroke, expressed his disappointment with the justice system in an interview, stating that he felt let down and as if he had failed his son. Sarah Pillay, his daughter, said they had approached the senior public prosecutors to re-enroll the case, but were told that the state had a strong case and that Poobalan was fit to give evidence.
Krishin, Krishin is also pursuing a civil claim against the state for being held in prison for 11 months on baseless allegations.
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