Durban Culpable Homicide Charges Filed After Musgrave Flat Fatalities
An Irshaad Khan, 38, appeared in the Durban Magistrates Court on Wednesday facing two counts of culpable homicide linked to the deaths of Nicholas and Matri Molver. According to iol.co.za, the couple was discovered dead inside their Observatory Building flat in the Musgrave neighborhood in September 2022 after failing to leave for work, prompting the building caretaker to alert Nicholas’s brothers, Matthew and Luke.
Khan exposed couple to toxic aluminium phosphide
The charge sheet states that Khan unlawfully and negligently caused the deaths of the couple by exposing them to aluminium phosphide via gastoxin tablets. Investigators determined that an adjoining vacant flat had been fumigated using the white powder-like substance. Prosecutors also charged Khan with contravening section 10 of the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act for failing to furnish particulars before administering the agricultural remedy, failing to issue a pre-treatment notice to occupants and building managers, and failing to display required bold block-letter warning notices.
Khan misrepresented himself as registered pest controller
Beyond the culpable homicide counts, the state alleges that Khan committed fraud by misrepresenting himself to the flat owner as a registered pest controller from a registered fumigation business. Prosecutors state that this deception induced the owner to hire him, causing a potential prejudice totaling R10,592 when the accused knew neither he nor his business held valid registrations.
Molver family hired private investigator for case
Nicholas Molver’s mother, Zoë Molver, expressed relief that the case has reached the court stage and stated she is confident in a watertight culpable homicide prosecution. From the outset, the family blamed both the fumigator and the owner of the treated flat, enlisting a private testing company and hiring private investigator Muntumuhle Mbhele—a former SAPS detective—to work alongside Berea police detective services.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Durban Fumigation Case
When is the court case scheduled to return?
The matter is expected back in the Durban Magistrates Court on October 28, 2026.
Who discovered the bodies of Nicholas and Matri Molver?
Nicholas’s brothers, Matthew and Luke, found the couple inside their family-owned flat after the building caretaker raised the alarm in September 2022.
What specific chemical was identified in the flat?
According to the charge sheet, the victims were exposed to aluminium phosphide administered via gastoxin tablets used during a neighboring flat’s fumigation.
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