Key Takeaways
- Ramith Aneerudh, 38, has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a horrific attack on his wife, Sarika Bridgmohan, 35.
- Aneerudh conspired with Deon Tyler Naidu, 47, and Kyle Goldstone, 38, to kill his wife.
- The three men were charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and theft.
- Aneerudh and Goldstone were arrested in Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape, while Naidu was arrested in Umzinto.
- Bridgmohan survived being strangled with a rope and jumping out of a moving car.
Introduction to the Case
A Durban man, Ramith Aneerudh, has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a horrific attack on his wife, Sarika Bridgmohan, who miraculously survived the ordeal. Aneerudh, 38, of Newlands West, conspired with his co-accused, Deon Tyler Naidu, 47, of Umzinto, and Kyle Goldstone, 38, of Ifafa, to kill his 35-year-old beauty therapist wife. The three men were charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and theft. Aneerudh and Goldstone were arrested in Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape, on April 16 last year, while Naidu was arrested by police at a house in Umzinto on April 24.
The Events of the Attack
In his plea statement, Aneerudh said he and Bridgmohan had left the Coastlands Hotel in Musgrave on March 13 at around midday. He indicated to Bridgmohan that they should go to a lawyer’s office to fetch documents pertaining to the purchase and sale of a property. However, instead of going to the lawyer’s office, Aneerudh drove Bridgmohan’s vehicle to a park in Winkelspruit, where he waited for his co-accused. Bridgmohan requested to use the toilet, and Aneerudh drove to a shopping centre. They returned to the same park, and waited for his co-accused. Aneerudh called Goldstone, requesting his whereabouts, and then drove further down the park, where he parked next to a silver vehicle driven by Naidu. Goldstone was seated in the passenger seat. Aneerudh handed R1 000 to Goldstone, and then Goldstone forcefully pulled Bridgmohan out of the vehicle.
The Attack and Aftermath
Aneerudh grabbed Bridgmohan’s handbag and took out the contents, including R1 000 and a cellphone. He also grabbed the cellphone that was in her hand and checked if she had sent her location to anyone. Naidu then grabbed and pulled Bridgmohan towards his car to force her inside, but she resisted and refused. Goldstone put a rope around her neck and dragged her. She became unconscious and was put into the front seat of Naidu’s car. Aneerudh left in Bridgmohan’s car and went on ahead to a location in Ifafa. Goldstone and Naidu waited with Bridgmohan in a deserted area along the river banks of Umgababa. They then drove to fill fuel at a nearby petrol station, and while on the way, Bridgmohan opened the door of the moving car and jumped out. She signalled to a car passing by and asked for help.
The Arrests and Court Proceedings
Aneerudh, Goldstone, and Naidu were arrested and charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and theft. Aneerudh pleaded guilty to all charges in the Umbumbulu Regional Court, while Goldstone and Naidu pleaded not guilty. Bridgmohan said she was glad that Aneerudh finally acknowledged what he had done was wrong. She expressed her desire for the sentence imposed to set a precedent, stating that trying to take someone’s life is not a minor crime, and Aneerudh deserves to get a life sentence. Sentence proceedings are expected to get underway next year.
The Victim’s Experience and Recovery
Bridgmohan spoke to the POST, saying that she was glad that Aneerudh finally acknowledged what he had done was wrong. She expressed her gratitude for the support of her family and friends, who helped her through her difficult times. Bridgmohan said that life has changed, and she has changed, and that she will never be able to get over what happened. She said that trying to block everything out and cope each day has not been easy. However, she considers herself one of the lucky ones, as she has an amazing family and friends who helped her through her ordeal.
Conclusion and Future Proceedings
In conclusion, Ramith Aneerudh has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a horrific attack on his wife, Sarika Bridgmohan. The case is a shocking example of the lengths to which some individuals will go to harm others. Bridgmohan’s survival and bravery in the face of such trauma are a testament to her strength and resilience. The sentence proceedings are expected to get underway next year, and it remains to be seen what punishment Aneerudh will receive for his crimes. However, one thing is certain: justice must be served, and those responsible for such heinous crimes must be held accountable for their actions.
