Govender brothers face trial for murder at Durban High Court
Image: Nomonde Zondi
The murder accused Govender brothers, Darren and Ferrel, who are owners of a security company, Pro-Secure, will be going for their pre-trial conference at the Durban High Court later this year.
This is after they made a brief appearance in the Durban Magistrates Court on Friday morning, where they were served with their indictments.
The brothers were arrested in January 2025 for the murder of Durban businessman Shailen Singh.
Singh was shot dead at Umhlanga Ridge on December 29, 2024. The cause of his death was multiple gunshot wounds to the head and torso. The State is alleging that the murder was pre-planned by the brothers, with Ferrel identified as the shooter.
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In the High Court, Darren, 36, is the first accused, and his older brother, Ferrel, 41, is the second accused.
Ferrel is also facing 14 charges: murder, two counts of assault, two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, five counts of crimen injuria, a data message that threatens violence, attempted murder, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to the State, Ferrel was previously divorced, and at some stage in 2024, he got into a relationship with Varushka Maharaj. 'Maharaj was previously romantically involved with Byron Moodley,' the State said.
On May 18, 2024, Ferrel called Moodley, swore at him, and threatened him with violence. Moodley ended the call, and when he later called Ferrel, he threatened his life.
In June, while Moodley was at Cubana, he was confronted by Ferrel and a companion. They both assaulted Moodley by shoving and kicking him.
On July 4, Moodley applied for a protection order against Ferrel; however, attempts to serve him with it were unsuccessful.
'On July 5, Ferrel communicated with Moodley via a messaging service and again threatened Moodley's life and swore at him. This continued on July 6 and 7,' the State alleges.
Moreover, the State alleges that Ferrel was romantically involved with Salona Ramrutton/Kisten. Ramrutton/ Kisten was residing in one of Ferrel's houses at Kindlewood Estate, where Singh also resided.
At some stage, Ferrel became aware that Ramrutton/Kisten had been involved in a sexual relationship with Singh. 'This resulted in a strain in their relationship, which resulted in verbal and physical abuse of her,' the State said.
On December 21, 2024, the State alleges that Ferrel assaulted her, and she sought medical treatment. The following day, Ferrel requested Ramrutton/Kisten to visit him, and she obliged. He assaulted her, armed himself with an unlicensed firearm, and fired shots at her.
'Although she was not struck by the bullets, she was thereafter admitted into the hospital with serious injuries,' the State alleges.
Additionally, the State alleges that Ferrel, who was enraged with Singh having an affair with Ramrutton/Kisten, conspired with Darren to kill him.
The brothers will appear at the High Court on November 13.
nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za
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