The trial of 14 South African Police Service (SAPS) officers charged in connection with the 2018 death of Regan Naidoo in Chatsworth police custody is set to begin in December 2026, exactly eight years after the incident.
Background of the Case
Regan Naidoo, a 32-year-old security technician from Montford in Chatsworth, Durban, was arrested on 28 August 2018 at a Caltex petrol station alongside two other men. Police suspected him of involvement with a firearm linked to an unrelated murder. He was taken to Chatsworth SAPS station, where he was allegedly assaulted.
The next morning (29 August 2018), he was found unresponsive in the holding cells around 3am, rushed to RK Khan Hospital, and declared dead on arrival. Police initially told the family he had choked on a pie, but a private pathologist’s autopsy revealed severe blunt force trauma, multiple fractures, and signs of vicious assault consistent with torture.
Naidoo’s wife, Shanice, was pregnant with their son at the time of his death. The family has long maintained he was tortured while in custody.
Charges and Accused
The 14 officers face charges including murder, kidnapping, torture, attempted murder, and defeating the ends of justice. They were arrested in 2021 following an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). Originally more officers (up to 22) faced charges, but some had charges withdrawn, and one accused was killed in an unrelated incident.
The accused are:
- Pushpanthan Pillay (53)
- Malcolm Naicker (44)
- Brian Naidoo (68)
- Trevor Chetty (49)
- Andries Botes (51)
- Erik Karsen (44)
- Muhammed Raoof (57)
- Preshan Lutchman (35)
- Cedric Pillay (41)
- Xolani Sosibo (39)
- Kubendran Kisten (44)
- Rajan Sanders (52)
- Devendra Chetty (54)
- Ugeshan Govender (44)
They appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (as reported in recent coverage).
Trial Timeline and Delays
The case has been plagued by repeated postponements over the years due to procedural disputes, changes in legal representation, and other challenges (including a 2025 postponement after an audio recording emerged). A pre-trial conference occurred earlier in 2026, and the magistrate has pushed back against further perceived delay tactics by the defence. The state has indicated readiness to proceed.
The December 2026 trial start date coincides symbolically with the birthday of Naidoo’s son, whom he never met.
Family Reactions
Family members have described the development as bittersweet after years of waiting. Shanice Naidoo said: “I am glad that the trial date has finally been set eight years later, but it will be on the same day that I am meant to celebrate my child’s birthday… To have the justice of a trial for my husband’s death beginning on the very day that represents the life he never got to see feels bittersweet.” She noted the emotional toll of reliving the events while raising their son, who resembles his father.
Naidoo’s father, Timothy Naidoo, expressed relief and hope for accountability: “It has been a long wait for justice… He walked into the police station and came home in a coffin. Somebody must be accountable for his death.” He viewed the timing as potentially “a sign from God” and prayed for the trial to conclude soon.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about police accountability in South Africa, with the family and community seeking closure after prolonged delays. Proceedings will continue in the Durban courts, and further updates are expected as the December trial date approaches.
