Brothers Ferrel and Darren Govender accused in connection to the murder of Umhlanga businessman Shailen Singh, have appeared in the Durban’s Magistrate Court on the 13th of Monday. The well-dressed duo was due to apply for bail following their arrest for the alleged murder of Singh. The businessman of 32 was gunned down on the ninth of December 2024 in a parking lot on Meridian Drive in Umhlanga. The victim sustained two gun shot wounds and died at the scene. This means the gun shots were very precise and the gunmen knew where to hit the target. According to information given to the police the victim was seated in his vehicle when the gunmen or suspects opened fire on him. Singh was killed instantly.
Ferrel and Darren Govender were arrested in January after Shailen Singh, the owner of a security company, was shot and killed in Umhlanga last year. Supporters of the victim and the two accused filled the courtroom ahead of proceedings, which could see the two brothers apply for bail. Pickets were also held outside court. Abed Sayed, from the African Movement Congress, told Newswatch they want to see justice for the slain businessman. “All I can say is that we want this case to go fully ahead. We want justice to prevail, and we will be monitoring this case.” Workers and friends of the accused were also outside court to make their voices heard. A neighbour of the two brothers, Joyce Lazarus, was among those picketing outside court.
“Today, I put my faith, I put my trust, and I put everything on these children. They are innocent,” she told Newswatch.
It is still too early to state who is innocent and who is guilty. A murder in cold blood has been committed. The suspects who have been arrested are two adult men aged between 35 and 40. The friends and family who gathered outside the court should keep in mind the trial is still ongoing. Innocent until proven guilty. Both brothers are themselves businessmen. Meanwhile the new political party known as the African Movement Congress (AMC) is right to argue that the case should proceed fully ahead. No stone should be left unturned in the investigation. The truth concerning the murder must come to light. The trial will continue. As adults the two men must face justice and confess the truth. Regardless of what their supporters say. Murder in broad day light cannot be taken lightly.
The supporters of these men such as their neighbour Joyce Lazarus should be weary concerning how much faith and trust they can put in these men. It is up to the courts to determine their innocence.
Brothers, Ferrel Govender and Darren Govender appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning, in connection with the murder of uMhlanga businessman Shailen Singh. The well-dressed duo was due to apply for bail following their arrest for the alleged murder of Singh. The 32-year-old was gunned down on December 29, 2024, in a parking lot on Meridian Drive in Umhlanga. He sustained two gunshot wounds and died at the scene. At the time of the murder, police said according to information the victim was seated in his vehicle when suspects opened fire at him, killing him instantly. The suspects are believed to have fled the scene in two luxury vehicles, which have since been seized. The brothers, aged 35 and 40, were arrested a few days after the murder by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Organised Crime: Murder and Robbery Unit detectives.
The truth is that given that this case was handled professionally, there should be enough evidence from the cars taken into police custody to the guns kept that were most likely used in the murder. Shailen Singh was murdered in cold blood. During the course of the trial, it should be enquired as to why. Why did he die? What motive could the Govender brothers have to kill Singh? Committing a murder is never easy or acceptable. This was done with ruthless precision. Why kill someone in this manner? Seated in his car? What is the connection between Singh and the Govender Brothers? These are some of the questions that need to be answered. Both the victim and the murdered accused were businessmen. Did they have a falling out over money?
As the case unfolds in the coming weeks these questions will have answers as obtained from the witnesses at the scene and those who know Shailen and the Govender brothers. Including the accused by the prosecutor.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
