Govender brothers’ case postponed as evidence admissibility looms
Brothers Ferrel and Darren Govender returned to the Durban High Court this week in the murder case of Shailen Singh.
BROTHERS Ferrel and Darren Govender appeared in the Durban High Court on Wednesday (January 21) in connection with the murder of Shailen Singh.
Ferrel, sporting black jeans, a black jacket and sneakers, while his co-accused brother Darren, dressed in white jeans, a black sweater and black sneakers, appeared before Judge Nompumelelo H. Radebe.
The brothers are accused of murdering Singh, who was allegedly having an affair with Ferrel Govender’s girlfriend at the time.
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The matter, which was initially set down for pre-trial conference today, saw a packed courtroom with family and friends who came to support the victim and the Govender brothers, respectively.
State advocate Krishen Shah told the court that a trial within a trial was anticipated due to objections raised by the defence regarding the admissibility of certain evidence.
“A trial within a trial will need to happen, relating to the admissibility of certain evidence,” said Shah.
The court previously heard that the defence is challenging the admissibility of cellphone download and audio-visual evidence the State intends to rely on during the trial.
Shah added that discussions between the State, Ferrel Govender’s attorney Ravindra Maniklall and advocate Christo van Schalkwyk SC had initially proposed trial dates between July and August.
However, these dates are no longer possible as the investigating officer is required for the AKA murder trial.
Ferrel Govender faces 14 charges, including murder, two counts of assault, two counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, five counts of crimen injuria, sending a data message threatening violence, attempted murder and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. Darren Govender faces a single charge of murder.
The matter returns to court for pre-trial proceedings on February 12.
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