Residents in the Laudium area are still in shock after reading of the fatal shooting of a former Laudium mother, posted on the Laudium Sun Facebook Page, with tributes pouring in.
This follows the shocking discovery, this past Tuesday morning (March 24), at around 7am, of the lifeless body of Chilkana Baktawer (45), found in the back yard of her Freya Street home in the nearby Valhalla suburb, with a bullet wound to her head. It was the neighbours who first discovered her body, after hearing screams from Chilkana’s two young daughters (6 & 11), who apparently witnessed their father Kesivan Kitansamy Pillay shooting their mother, as they were preparing to go to school. A family member told the Laudium Sun that Chilkana had recently moved to the Valhalla house, which her father, Surat Baktawer, bought for her, after her long term relationship of 13 years with Kesivan ended, apparently due to constant abuse carried out by Kesivan. It is alleged that Kesivan has a number of houses and was known to also be living on Umber Street, Laudium and at a home on Henifest Street in Valhalla. Even after the break-up, Kesivan had apparently, due to jealousy, harassed Chilkana and had just recently threatened to set her house on fire. Kesivan is believed to have entered Chilkana’s home by jumping over the fence. Apparently, he was on the run since the shooting, but was however arrested by police at a Wonderboom parking lot, about 35 hours later, after being spotted traveling in a Golf R7 together with a passenger. Police apparently found a firearm and a number of firearm magazines and cellphone sim cards. Police had also gone to Kesivan’s residence in Valhalla where it is believed that a 9mm Taurus pistol was found.
blank by her estranged partner, Kesivan
Kitansamy Pillay, killing her instantly in front
of their two young daughters.
arrested by police this past Wednesday (March 25), about 35 hours after he allegedly shot and killed Chilkana, the mother of his two kids.
A friend of Chilkana who did not want her name mentioned, told the Laudium Sun that Chilkana was shot in the head with a silencer gun, killing her instantly in front of her two young children. Residents described the scene as heartbreaking, with the innocence of the children witnessing such a horrific event amplifying the tragedy. A number of friends and family members of Chilkana are now calling for justice and for stronger measures to prevent such acts of domestic violence from taking the lives of loved ones. Many have also accused Kesivan of often beating up Chilkana and of having immense contact with the police and the courts. Attempts to get a comment from Kesivan were unsuccessful, as he is in detention and will only be appearing in court today (Friday, March 27).
An emotional Surat Baktawer, the father of Chilkana, told the Laudium Sun: “It is a tragic and emotional moment for us, seeing my child taken from us in such a sudden and heartbreaking way. The grief is unbearable and it is something no parent should ever have to endure. My heart is shattered and the sorrow feels endless, I feel empty. We are still trying to process what has happened and words cannot express the depth of our loss. Our family is grieving and it is a time filled with immense sadness and heartbreak. I pray that the one responsible for her death is held fully accountable and that the law brings justice for Chilkana. This is all I can ask at this moment, as we try to cope with the devastating reality that she is no longer with us. My beloved child will always remain in my heart and I hope that the memory of her life and the love she gave will never be forgotten.”
heart is shattered, adding that no parent should
have to endure finding their daughter killed by
her partner.
Jana Vandwyk, neighbour of Chilkana and a resident of Freya Street, Valhalla, told the Laudium Sun: “I was inside my house on Freya Street with my husband and my children when everything changed in a matter of moments. The morning had been quiet and nothing felt out of the ordinary until I suddenly heard desperate screams coming from outside. The cries were piercing and filled with fear. The children were shouting for help, saying their mother had been shot by their father. Those words sent a chill through me and without thinking twice, I ran outside toward the gate. When I reached the front, I saw the two young girls crying uncontrollably. They were terrified, shaking and pleading for help. It was a heartbreaking sight that I will never forget. I immediately turned back and rushed inside to call my husband. There was no time to waste. He came out with a grinder because the gate was locked and no one could find the keys. Every second felt heavy as we worked to open it, knowing that something terrible had already happened. As soon as the gate was forced open, the children ran toward the back of the house where their mother was. I followed closely behind with my husband, trying to stay calm while my heart was racing. I asked the children what had happened and the eldest daughter, through tears, said that her father had shot her mother. Those words were devastating to hear, especially from a child so young. We rushed inside the house and what I saw will stay with me forever. Chilkana was lying on the floor, motionless, with a gunshot wound to her head. The scene was overwhelming and in that moment, I knew how serious it was. Still, I held onto a small hope that she might still be alive. I immediately called for emergency services, including an ambulance and the police. Within minutes, they arrived, but it was already too late. She was declared dead at the scene. I then focused on the children, removing them from that painful and traumatic environment and taking them to safety. They were in shock and no child should ever have to witness something so horrific. The eldest explained that there had been an argument between her parents before the incident. She identified her father as the one responsible for the death of her mother and said that before leaving, he forced them back into the house and took something from the back. By the time help arrived, he had already fled. This tragedy is even more painful knowing that earlier this year, in January, the same man had come to the house and threatened to burn it down. Now, that threat has turned into a devastating reality and a life has been taken in the most brutal way. Chilkana had only been living here for a few months, but she was a kind, humble and friendly woman. She brought warmth to those around her and it is heartbreaking to know she is gone. My heart is heavy for those two innocent children. At such a young age, they have experienced something no child should ever go through. The trauma of witnessing their own mother’s death at the hands of their father is something that will stay with them forever. It is a pain that no words can truly describe. This tragedy has shaken the entire community. There is fear, sadness, and anger. I pray that justice is served and that the person responsible faces the full consequences of his actions. Most of all, I pray for strength and healing for the children who have been left behind. Rest in peace, Chilkana Baktawer. You will not be forgotten.”
children were shouting for help, saying their
mother had been shot by their father.
Dorinda Bothma, another neighbour and resident of Freya Street, told the Laudium Sun: “My heart feels incredibly heavy after hearing about what happened to my neighbour. It is such a painful and tragic loss and it has left a deep sadness in me that is difficult to put into words. Living so close to where this tragedy happened makes it even more real and it is something that has shaken me emotionally. I keep thinking about how quickly everything changed and how a life was taken in such a heartbreaking way. What troubles me the most are the two young children. I cannot stop thinking about them and what they must be going through right now. At such a tender age, they have been exposed to something no child should ever experience. The emotional scars from such a moment can last a lifetime and it brings me immense sorrow to know that they have to carry this pain. As a parent and as a member of this community, it is devastating to even imagine the fear and confusion they must be feeling. This is a time of deep grief, not only for the family but for everyone in the community who has been touched by this tragedy. I hold onto hope that justice will take its course and that those responsible will face the full might of the law. I believe in the strength of our justice system to bring accountability in moments like this. Above all, my thoughts and prayers are with the children and the family during this incredibly difficult time. I pray for healing, for comfort and for strength as they try to come to terms with such a painful loss. I also pray that Chilkana finds peace and that her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.”
Kesivan is expected to appear today (Friday 27), in the Pretoria Regional Court, for a bail application. Family and friends of Chilkana are expected to be in court, opposing bail to be granted.
Community pays tribute to Chilkana…
‘you ran your race with strength and dignity’
Following the Laudium Sun’s post of Chilkane’s tragic death, on our social media platforms, including Facebook, hundreds of people responded, including family members and friends of Chilkana.
Amongst the many were…
Michelle Pillay of Aquamarine Street, posted…”My dear friend, I am so deeply sorry that you had to leave this world in such a heartbreaking and painful way. It is something I am still trying to come to terms with and it hurts beyond words. I hold onto the belief that you are now at peace, free from all the pain, fear, and worry that once surrounded you. I pray with all my heart that you continue to watch over and protect your two precious princesses, Vishalia and my best friend Sonalia, guiding them with your love even from above. I keep thinking about our conversation on Monday night, never imagining that it would be the last
time I would hear your voice. You always showed so much love and care, not just to me, but to Trevor and Kayden as well. You had such a kind and giving heart and that is something I will always cherish. You will be deeply missed by my family, in ways that words cannot fully express. You fought your battles with strength and courage, always putting your girls first. Your biggest concern was always their safety and your own, and that shows the kind of mother and person you truly were. Now I find comfort in believing that you are reunited in paradise with your mum, your sister, and your baby girl, your little pumpkin. I will miss our calls, our conversations, and the moments we shared. I wish I could have done more for you, but I am grateful that I could at least be there to listen whenever you needed someone. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I love you always, my beautiful friend. Rest peacefully.”
Jasmine Naidoo of Taj Street, Laudium, posted, “Today you take your final journey home, my beautiful friend. It is so hard to accept that this moment has come, yet I hold onto the memories of the life you lived so fully and so fearlessly. You carried yourself with boldness, grace, and so much love, touching the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. The way you lived your life left a mark that can never be erased. You ran your race with strength and dignity, leaving behind memories that will live on, in all of us forever. Every moment shared, every laugh, every kind word, is now something we will hold onto dearly. Your smile had a way of lighting up any room, your spirit was warm and uplifting, and your presence brought comfort and joy to so many lives. Those beautiful qualities will never be forgotten. Even though you are no longer here with us, your light continues to shine in the hearts of those who loved you. You have left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and strength that will carry on through the people whose lives you touched. It is painful to say goodbye, but I find comfort in knowing that your soul is now at peace. Fly high, my beautiful friend. You will always be remembered, always be cherished, and forever be missed. Rest in peace.”
Mikayla Chetty, also of Taj Street, posted, …”Dearest friend, your passing has come as a deep and painful shock to all of us. It is something we are still trying to understand and the weight of it feels overwhelming. You lived such a humble and quiet life, yet you touched so many hearts in ways we only truly realise now. Your smile carried warmth and kindness, and it left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed your path. So many of us are shattered by your loss. There is an emptiness that cannot be filled and a silence where your presence once brought comfort and light. Your energy was something special, something that could be felt by every single person who knew you. It brought people together, lifted spirits, and made even the hardest days feel a little lighter. Now we are left holding onto the memories, carrying both the love you gave and the pain of losing you. It is not easy to say goodbye, especially when your life meant so much to so many. But in our hearts, we will keep your spirit alive, remembering you for the beautiful soul that you were. Rest easy, my dear friend. Until we meet again, you will always be missed and forever remembered.”
Cllr Prajay Ramjee told the Laudium Sun, “It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Chilkana Baktawer. Her life was taken in an act of senseless violence that has left our community heartbroken and angry. Chilkana’s passing is a painful reminder of the work that we must continue to do, to build a safer, more compassionate community, free of GBV. As a Councillor, I stand with her family, friends, and all who are grieving during this difficult time. May her soul rest in peace, and may we honour her memory by striving for justice and unity.”