Teen lovers’ chalet death mystery

The bodies of Tashlin Sewnarain and Taybah Shaik were found in a self-catering chalet near Albert Falls. Picture: Supplied

The bodies of Tashlin Sewnarain and Taybah Shaik were found in a self-catering chalet near Albert Falls. Picture: Supplied

Published Jun 1, 2016

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Durban - Mystery surrounds the death of a young Pietermaritzburg couple who were found dead in a self-catering chalet near Albert Falls on Sunday.

Tashlin Sewnarain, 19, and Taybah Shaik, 16, were found in the bathroom of the Peatties Lake Resort chalet by the manager.

According to a police source, Shaik was found in the shower in a crouched position while Sewnarain was on the bathroom floor.

Manager Dan Thompson, who made the discovery on Sunday afternoon, said he did not how the couple had died, or if there had been a gas leak.

About six years ago, a young Johannesburg couple died under similar circumstances at White Mountain Lodge near the Drakensberg mountains.

There were conflicting versions as to what led to the deaths of Dhiren Singh, 26, and his girlfriend, Cheryl Chetty, 24.

Private forensic expert Reggie Perumal had dismissed the finding by the State’s pathologist that the couple died of carbon monoxide inhalation.

His report noted that Singh could have been suffocated.

Thompson said it was up to the police to investigate the latest tragedy.

He said he had to break the window of the chalet to gain entry.

The couple had checked into the place on Saturday, he said, adding that the find was “very disturbing”.

“We had a lot of guests from the Comrades (Marathon) who had just returned from the race.”

When a POST team arrived at the chalets, Sewnarain’s BMW was still parked outside, and the couple’s belongings were lying on the bonnet.

A cooler box was also on the bonnet, and a suitcase full of clothing was on the front passenger seat.

Thompson said the chalet had been locked since the incident and that police were still investigating.

A neighbour who declined to be named, described Shaik as “troubled”.

She said that Shaik had apparently tried to commit suicide recently and was hospitalised.

“They (the couple) were going out for over a year. His car was always parked in the yard.”

Shaik had lived with her mother and stepfather, who were not at home.

Sewnarain’s mother, who identified herself as Mrs S Sewnarain, is adamant that her son had not ended his life.

She said that he was “fine and happy” when she last spoke to him via WhatsApp on Saturday evening.

“He told me that his girlfriend had cooked a nice meal.”

She said Sewnarain, who dropped out of third year BCom studies in March to start working at the Unlimited Group, had been dating Shaik “for a while”.

“She had converted to Hinduism.”

Sewnarain refused to speculate on how her son and his girlfriend could have died.

Breaking down, the mother of two said her son was “absolutely adorable”.

“People loved him; he has left a gap in everyone’s heart. He was the life of the party.”

The Maritzburg College graduate had been devoted to Hinduism and had started the Hindu Society at the school.

She said the family found out about the couple’s death on Sunday afternoon.

“Her parents had called my phone and we called them back. My husband and a few relatives went to the scene.

“I know my child, he was very open with me; if they were fighting he would have told me.”

Sewnarain said while the family had never stopped Sewnarain from seeing Shaik, they would have preferred him completing his studies.

She said her son had looked peaceful in death.

“There were no visible injuries.”

Sewnarain’s ashes were disposed of at the Sivananda Ghat facility at the Clare Estate Crematorium, while Shaik’s will be disposed of at sea.

Police spokesman Major Thulani Zwane confirmed that two inquest dockets had been opened at Crammond police station.

“The matter is still under investigation.”

Additional reporting by Shan Pillay.

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