DA calls for calm following death of KZN violence detainee, Jeetendra Jaikissoon

24 October 2021

The DA has learnt of the death of Jeetendra Jaikissoon, who was being held in detention in Westville prison while facing charges of murder and attempted murder during the anarchy that beset KwaZulu-Natal in July.

According to reports, Jaikissoon was admitted to hospital on Tuesday last week after complaining about difficulty in breathing and chest pains. He passed away earlier today.

The DA extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jaikissoon during this sad time. With the cause of death still unknown, it would be unwise to speculate and the DA calls for calm in this regard.

We further call on the Department of Correctional Services, under the leadership of Justice Edwin Cameron, to speedily investigate this matter and the circumstances leading to the Jaikissoon’s death.

During July, the people of our province were failed dismally by the state as absolute anarchy reigned. Given the potential that remains for reigniting these horrific scenes, it is of the utmost importance that a full probe be launched and the reasons for Jaikissoon’s untimely death be determined.

History has shown that any death in detention has the potential to cause speculation and further divisions and tensions amongst our communities in KZN. This must be avoided at all costs if our province is to prosper.

Issued by Francois Rodgers, Leader of the DA in KwaZulu-Natal, 24 October 2021