Durban High Court postpones murder trial amid legal delays
The case, set for pre-trial in the Durban High Court today, has seen yet another postponement due to outstanding documents.
THE high-profile murder case involving Govender brothers Ferrel and Darren has been postponed yet again in the the Durban High Court, with delays surrounding crucial Section 220 admissions continuing to stall proceedings.
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The matter relates to the 2024 murder of uMhlanga businessman Shailen Singh, who was shot multiple times on Meridian Drive.
State advocate Krishen Shah told the court that the defence had undertaken to furnish Section 220 admissions (formal acknowledgements of common cause facts) but none had been received.
Shah said that the lack of these admissions meant the matter was not trial-ready.
“Nothing has been done. Unless the issues are properly crystalised, the case cannot be set down for pretrial,” he added.
Presiding Judge Bruce Stanley Michael Bedderson agreed, stressing that clarity on what is admitted and disputed is essential for the case to proceed.
“The accused can challenge what they want … But I must ask if the identity of the victim and the cause of death is being challenged,” Bedderson asked.
The defence for Ferrel, made up of instructing attorney Arvina Harricharan and Joe Wolmarans who was standing in for Laurence Hodes SC, confirmed that these two aspects will not be challenged. Darren’s attorney, Christo van Schalkwyk SC, agreed.
“I only received the Section 220 documents last week and required more time to study them,” he said.
Judge Bedderson also raised concerns about whether the accused have the financial means to sustain a lengthy trial. He made it clear the court would not tolerate disruptions once proceedings begin.
“The days are gone when a trial starts and halfway, counsel abandons ship,” he said, adding that legal representatives would be expected to continue and recover fees from their clients afterwards if necessary.
The brothers are facing charges in connection with the killing. Ferrel faces 14 charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault, crimen injuria and unlawful possession of a firearm, while Darren faces a charge of murder.
The matter was accordingly postponed to next week. Darren remains out on bail while Ferrel is in custody.
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