Man stabbed, beaten

TYRAN Eston Moodley, 23, had recently moved from his home in Pietermaritzburg to Phoenix in the hope of starting a job making furniture. But on Friday night, he died after being beaten with a stick and stabbed twice in the back during an altercation in Westham, Phoenix.

Four men were charged with his killing. They appeared in the Verulam Magistrate‘s Court on Monday and were remanded in custody. The case was adjourned to next week.

Lee Chetty, Moodley’s uncle, said the family were hoping that the investigations would help them get answers.

“Not knowing why he was killed in such a senseless manner has added to the family’s trauma. Is life not worth anything any more? The court cannot allow those who are accused of killing Tyran to roam free.”

Chetty said Moodley grew up in Phoenix with his mother and brother.

“His mother died in July last year. She was Tyran’s pillar of strength. After her death, he wanted a better life for his 18-year-old brother. He tried to get a job in Phoenix but nothing materialised."

Chetty said Moodley and his brother then moved to their grandmother’s home in Bombay Heights, Pietermaritzburg.

“They needed the support of family. In Pietermaritzburg, they looked for jobs and again it was difficult. Tyran returned to Phoenix in December after a friend told him there was a job available for him making furniture.

“He moved in with the friend and was due to start the job this year but there were delays. On the day of his killing, his brother also got a job in the manufacturing industry and was looking forward to sharing the good news.

“His brother is now lost without Tyran because he cared for him. My nephew had a tough life. He came from a poverty-stricken background. We hope justice prevails.”

Moodley’s funeral is expected to take place this week.

Colonel Thembeka Mbele, a police spokesperson, said a case of murder is being investigated.