The State has strongly opposed the release on bail of the Govender brothers, Ferrel and Darren, who are accused of murdering 32-year-old Shailen Singh. The prosecution has presented a compelling case in a detailed affidavit, warning of potential dangers to public safety and the risk of the accused fleeing or interfering with the investigation.
In a 27-page affidavit submitted to the Durban Magistrate’s Court, lead investigator Warrant Officer Kumarasan Pillay outlined several critical reasons why the Govender brothers should remain in custody while awaiting trial. The charges against them stem from the brutal killing of Singh, who was shot dead on December 29, 2024, in a parking lot on Meridian Drive in Umhlanga. The shooting occurred in broad daylight, further underscoring the violent disregard the accused have shown for public safety.
Pillay’s affidavit describes the murder as a direct result of a personal vendetta linked to Ferrel Govender’s alleged jealousy over his girlfriend’s relationship with Singh. Photographic evidence and video footage suggest that Ferrel had previously assaulted his girlfriend, and police investigations reveal that she was in the process of applying for a protection order against him. The State argues that Ferrel’s violent tendencies pose a serious threat not only to Singh’s family but also to the woman involved, who remains in grave danger.
According to Pillay, the evidence is clear that Ferrel carried out his promise to kill Singh, and there is concern that he could target other individuals, particularly from Singh’s family, given the threats he had made. The investigation uncovered 14 spent cartridges at the crime scene, with Singh succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds to the head, chest, and abdomen.
The role of Darren Govender, who is also charged in the murder, has been highlighted in the affidavit as equally concerning. Pillay points to evidence suggesting that Darren was present during the shooting and assisted his brother in carrying out the attack. The State believes that if Darren is released on bail, he may act as an extension of Ferrel’s violent intentions, potentially influencing or even helping him target other witnesses.
Further compounding the concerns about the brothers’ release is the possibility that they could evade trial if granted bail. The prosecution points out that Ferrel owns several properties around the country, though he has not provided police with the addresses. Darren, with no fixed property in his name, has a history of evading legal proceedings, including a warrant for his arrest in 2011. The fear is that, if granted bail, they would have the means and motivation to flee the country, especially given the serious charges they face—charges that carry the possibility of life imprisonment.
The State also raised the potential for witness intimidation and evidence tampering, particularly since several of the witnesses are known to the accused. Some witnesses have already expressed their fear for their lives, with the investigation team concerned about the brothers’ ability to exert influence over individuals connected to the case.
Adding to the mounting pressure, a public outcry has emerged, with a growing online petition—now signed by nearly 4,000 people—calling for the continued detention of the accused. The community has voiced their strong opposition to the release of the Govender brothers, urging the court to consider the severity of the crime and the ongoing threat to the safety of others.
The investigations are progressing rapidly, and the evidence against the brothers is described as “strong” by the State. With the case continuing to draw public attention, the matter is set to return to court on Friday. For now, Ferrel and Darren Govender remain in custody at Westville Prison, and the State is determined to ensure they are not granted bail, emphasizing the gravity of the charges and the risk they pose to both public safety and the integrity of the legal process.
