‘I would never want you to be happy’ | Ex’s chilling words before allegedly stabbing pregnant woman to death
“I would never want you to be happy” … these chilling words are allegedly what a Pietermaritzburg man uttered moments before he fatally stabbed his pregnant ex-wife, Aleyka Shaik, in the stomach, all in the harrowing presence of their seven-year-old daughter.
In a sequence of events that has left the community in shock, the 34-year-old newlywed was five months pregnant with twins when she was attacked in her vehicle on Sunday night. Shaik had arrived at her ex-husband’s Northdale home to pick up her daughter, Zahraa, when the horrific assault occurred.
Keith Chetty, 39, has since appeared in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court charged with murder. The details of the case, as recounted by Shaik’s current husband, Tristen (Aahil) Arjuna, paint a chilling picture of domestic violence and a history of abuse.
“Zahraa was with her father’s family on Sunday,” explained Arjuna, who was married to Aleyka for just two months at the time of her death. “Keith’s brother fetched her from home and Aleyka said she would fetch her.” He had not joined her for fear of a previous altercation with Chetty three months earlier, which had left him assaulted and concerned for their safety.
According to Arjuna, Zahraa witnessed the brutal stabbing. “The suspect allegedly entered the front passenger seat and told Aleyka, ‘I would never want you to be happy’ before he stabbed her in the stomach,” he recounted. In a desperate bid, Zahraa managed to escape from the vehicle, running for help as her mother succumbed to her injuries.
Arjuna relayed that when his wife attempted to escape and reach her daughter, another attack occurred, leaving her with multiple stab wounds. “She collapsed near the vehicle and died at the scene,” he said through tears.
Concerned for Aleyka’s extended absence, Arjuna attempted to reach her by phone but received no reply. “At one point, the suspect’s brother answered and cut the call. Minutes later, a security company called to inform me my wife was killed.” Chetty fled but was apprehended by community members and law enforcement two hours later in Woodlands.
“I was told that Keith ran through the bushes and was seen jumping into a van until he was later found in a house in Woodlands. At the scene, I hugged my wife and tried to clean all the blood,” Arjuna recounted, visibly shaken.
The couple, who had originally celebrated their Nikah on January 25 when Aleyka’s pregnancy was confirmed, had grand plans for a wedding in December and a gender reveal. “Just that Sunday, we felt the babies move for the first time. We were so happy,” said Arjuna, lamenting the abrupt end to their dreams.
Reflecting on the violence that has torn their family apart, Arjuna accused the onlookers of failing to intervene. “I am appalled that people stood by and watched my wife die,” he said, describing Aleyka as “kind and loving,” and stating that he is now committed to caring for Zahraa and fulfilling Aleyka’s dreams.
Zahraa’s trauma is palpable, and Arjuna emphasised that he will raise her while also supporting Aleyka’s parents, who are now without their only child. The weight of the tragedy was expressed by ward councillor Renisha Singh, who called the attack a “merciless and senseless act,” highlighting the ongoing issues of violence against women.
Family members reflected on the impact of Shaik’s death, with cousin Robby Cupido stating, “To see her like that was traumatic. Her daughter has now lost both her parents.” The urgency of addressing such violence was echoed by gender-based violence activist Elton Adkins, who urged men to seek help instead of harming others.
IOL
