Thunee attack: mother places her faith in God as son fights for his life and medical bills mount

KEITH Govender is still fighting for his life in hospital after a friendly card game turned into a nightmare when he stabbed in the head by a friend.

The incident has left Govender, 22, in an induced coma with mounting medical bills of R400 000.

As the alleged attacker claims self-defence, the devastated family places their faith in God while hoping for justice.

Govender underwent emergency brain surgery after being stabbed in the head during the violent altercation at a pool hall in Silverglen.  

He remains in an induced coma in ICU, with doctors unable to perform further surgery due to severe swelling in his brain. 

Govender's mother, Sabitha, her son had still not woken up. 

“We spoke to the doctors yesterday. His brain is still swollen and his skull is still open. They cannot do a second surgery until the swelling in his brain goes down,” she said.

She said her family had placed their faith in God as they struggled to cope emotionally and financially.

“We are now leaving our trust in God. We are still short with money. The medical expenses has now gone up to R400 000. We have only paid R100 000 so far,” she said.

Due to the risk of infection, the family can only see Govender through a glass partition in the ICU.

“We have visited the ICU but stand outside the glass to see him. We do not go inside because of the risk of infection. We cannot concentrate on our lives and just take it day by day." 

She said the trauma had deeply affected the entire household, particularly Govender's younger brother.

“My second son cries every time we come back home after seeing Keith." 

The accused, Mahendra Ramadrah, 46, of Woodhurst, a car parts salesman, is facing charges of attempted murder. 

He appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Thursday) for his bail application in connection with the incident. Ramadrah has also been charged with assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm for allegedly stabbing a staff member in the hand at the pool hall. 

The father of one is claiming self-defence and intends on pleading not guilty, claiming the stabbing occurred “after he was attacked” first.

Questioning the accused’s version of events, Sabitha expressed disbelief at the claims of self-defence.

“What is sad is that he has a son. How would he feel if this happened to his own son? We hope justice prevails and he gets what he deserves. We also want him to pay for Keith’s medical bills." 

Ramadrah's bail application continues today. 

To assist the Govender family contact: Ashlin Govender on 074 057 6090 or Sabitha Govender on 061 343 0956. Alternatively visit the Backabuddy link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/save-keith-jeremiah

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