The Govender brothers will spend another weekend behind bars at Westville Prison, as they await the ruling on their bail application, which is set to be delivered on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Their bail application, which has been dragging on since January 13, 2025, is expected to conclude when Magistrate Kevin Broughton hands down his decision.
The Charges Against the Govender Brothers
Brothers Ferrel Govender (40) and Darren Govender (35) were arrested on January 1, 2025, in connection with the pre-meditated murder of uMhlanga businessman Shailen Singh.
Because they face Schedule 6 charges, the brothers must provide the court with exceptional circumstances as to why they should be granted bail.
The State’s Case
The State is opposing bail, arguing that it has a prima facie case against the accused.
Lead investigator Bob Pillay submitted an explosive affidavit to the court, detailing the alleged motive behind Singh’s murder.
According to the State’s claims:
- Singh was allegedly having an affair with Ferrel Govender’s girlfriend.
- The murder on December 29, 2024, was a result of this love affair.
- CCTV footage places both brothers at the crime scene.
- Cellphone records show that calls were made from Ferrel Govender’s phone to Singh before the murder.
The prosecution has urged the court to deny bail, arguing that the accused could evade trial or interfere with witnesses.
The Defence’s Case
The Govender brothers insist they are innocent and will attend trial if released on bail.
Their legal team has presented the following arguments in their defence:
- Both men are businessmen in the Durban area and play active roles in their families’ lives.
- They voluntarily surrendered to the police and have no reason to flee.
- Ferrel Govender, the owner of Pro-Secure, a security company employing over 3,000 staff and serving 8,000 clients, argued that his continued incarceration affects thousands of livelihoods.
The brothers firmly deny any involvement in Singh’s murder.
Singh’s Family Seeks Justice
This week marked one month since the murder of 32-year-old Shailen Singh, who was the owner of a logistics company.
His father, Pradeep Singh, has been a regular presence at the Durban courthouse, saying that the family wants justice to prevail.
He described his late son as a devoted husband and father, who also loved his pet dog, Hugo.
The Singh family remains heartbroken over the tragic and untimely death of their loved one.
What Happens Next?
The Govender brothers will remain in custody at Westville Prison over the weekend.
On Monday, February 3, 2025, Magistrate Kevin Broughton will deliver his ruling on their bail application.
Possible Outcomes:
- If bail is granted, the brothers will await trial from home under strict bail conditions.
- If bail is denied, they will remain in prison as awaiting-trial prisoners.
What Are Their Legal Options If Bail Is Denied?
- The brothers can appeal the decision in the Durban High Court.
- If unsuccessful, they can take their case to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
- If all appeals fail, they will remain in Westville Prison until the conclusion of the trial.
With tensions running high, all eyes are on the Durban Magistrate’s Court as South Africa waits to see whether the Govender brothers will walk free on bail or remain behind bars.
In other news – Influencer Inno Morolong sentenced to 12 months of house arrest – Here’s why
Controversial social media influencer Inno Morolong has been sentenced to 12 months of house arrest by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg. Her sentencing comes after she was found guilty of crimen injuria and defamation in a legal battle involving her former friend, Tebogo Thobejane.
This ruling follows a string of damaging allegations and online attacks that Morolong directed at Thobejane over the past few years. Following her conviction, the court imposed several restrictions on Inno Morolong’s movements and activities. Read More