Thunee stabbing: accused washed knife before handing himself over to police three days later

THE Chatsworth Magistrate's Court heard how attempted murder accused Mahendra Ramadrah allegedly washed the knife used to stab Keith Govender during an altercation over a card game.

Ramadrah, 46, of Woodhurst, a car parts salesman handed himself over to police three days after the alleged stabbing.

Govender, 22, remains in an induced coma as he fights for his life, while Ramadrah claims self-defence in his bail application

Ramadrah appeared in court yesterday (Friday) for the continuation of his bail application.

He has been charged with attempted murder and for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm for allegedly stabbing a staff member at the pool hall in Silverglen, last Friday.

Warrant officer Elizabeth Ramrathan, the investigating officer, told the court that Ramadrah had washed the knife and gave to police when he handed himself over at the Bayview police station, three days after the stabbing.

Ramrathan was the first witness for the State on Friday.

She said she was opposed to Ramadrah being released on bail due to the seriousness of the offence, and that witness statements did not corroborate Ramadrah’s claims of self-defence.

“The accused was at a pool hall in Silverglen with three other friends. There was an altercation. Two witnesses saw the accused stab the victim with a knife. It was later discovered that the victim (Govender) sustained a stab wound to his head. The disagreement was among him and his friends playing a game of cards called thunee,” she added.

Ramrathan said the knife used was a utility knife. 

She said Govender was stabbed one time and there were two witnesses.

“The first victim (Govender) is in ICU and on a ventilator. He is in an induced coma, and it is hard to say if he will pull through. There is a public outcry, as this is a serious matter.  

“The victim’s parents have set up a fund in respect of the surgery he needs, and they are unable to afford it.

“If he is discharged, it is undetermined if there would be more medical bills. His parents have indicated that they would not be happy if the accused (Ramadrah) is released on bail,” said Warrant Officer Ramrathan.

“The accused indicated to us that he had washed the knife when he handed it over to us,” she added.

She said the second victim, who is the staff member at the pool hall, had tried to separate the fight between Ramadrah and Govender. 

“He was stabbed in the thumb, and had an open wound. He will be going for surgery. The accused faces a possible sentence of 10 years imprisonment,” she added.

Under cross examination by Ramadrah’s attorney, Priyanka Naicker, Warrant Officer Ramrathan said the accused had indicated to police that he was injured at the time of his arrest.

Naicker said the court needed to be aware that Ramadrah had received medical attention for his injuries.

Warrant Officer Ramrathan said when police went to Ramadrah’s home to arrest him, he was not there.

She said police notified his family members that they were looking for him as he was a suspect in the attempted murder case.

“It was only because he knew we were looking for him that he had handed himself over to us. The witness statements do not seem like it was self-defence.

“They were both fighting when the victim was stabbed, and there was no other weapon from any other party,” Warrant Officer Ramrathan added.

In closing arguments, State prosecutor Dumisani Mchunu, said they were of the opinion that Ramadrah would interfere with State witnesses, who were known to him.

“There could be potential interference as the accused could be influenced by the prescribed minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment for an offence of this nature. It would not be in the interest of justice if the accused is released on bail,” Mchunu added.

Ramadrah said he could afford R1 000 bail.

Judgement in the bail application is expected next week.

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