In a gripping development during a Durban Magistrates’ Court bail application, shocking details have emerged about the murder of 32-year-old logistics business owner, Shailen Singh, who was fatally shot on December 29, 2024. The court heard that just before his death, Singh received two calls from Ferrel Govender, one lasting seven seconds at 11:16 am, followed by a longer call of five minutes at 11:17 am. Approximately an hour later, Singh was gunned down in a parking lot on Meridian Drive in uMhlanga.
The two calls became central to the case as brothers Ferrel and Darren Govender face charges related to Singh’s murder. According to the State, the killing was linked to an alleged romantic affair between Singh and Ferrel’s girlfriend. This explosive accusation came to light as a sworn affidavit by Warrant Officer Kumarasan “Bob” Pillay from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit outlined critical details about the crime.
Pillay’s testimony revealed that records place Ferrel Govender near the Sharks Board in uMhlanga during the phone calls. Surveillance footage also showed Singh arriving at the parking lot at 11:50 am, just minutes before a black BMW, allegedly driven by Ferrel, arrived at 11:55 am. Two minutes later, a black Ford Ranger driven by Darren Govender followed. The sequence of events painted a chilling picture: an eyewitness reported seeing a light-skinned man standing near Singh’s vehicle, followed by the unmistakable sound of gunshots. The witness later identified the man as Ferrel Govender.
The investigation further corroborated these findings when both the BMW and the Ford Ranger were seen leaving the scene shortly after the murder. Pillay also noted that the BMW X5, which was seen in the area, was linked to Dean Marais of Steals and Deals, who had leased it to a security company, Pro-Secure. This connection added an extra layer of intrigue to the case.
Adding to the tension, a statement from Singh’s wife revealed that Ferrel had previously accused Singh of having an affair with his girlfriend. Ferrel had allegedly made numerous threatening calls to Singh, vowing harm not only to him but also to his family. Singh’s father also confirmed these threats, providing further insight into the escalating tension between the men.
The investigation uncovered disturbing evidence of Ferrel’s violent behavior. On November 13, 2024, he reportedly threatened to execute both Singh and his girlfriend. This was followed by multiple allegations of physical assault against his girlfriend, with the most recent incident occurring just weeks before the murder.
As the investigation unfolds, the court continues to examine the chilling details surrounding Shailen Singh’s tragic death, shedding light on a crime fueled by jealousy, threats, and a deep sense of betrayal. The Govender brothers, facing serious charges, now await the outcome of their bail hearing, while the public watches as this shocking case of love, vengeance, and murder continues to unravel.
