Keith Govender.
Image: Supplied
ONE month after he was stabbed in the head with a knife during what began as a friendly game of thunee, Keith Govender, 22, has died.
This morning, Keith’s cousin, Nicole Boodhun, called for the community to "lift us in prayer" after Govender took a turn for the worse.
She said he had picked up and infection and was placed back on a ventilator.
“He was transferred about one and a half weeks ago to RK Khan. There is a waiting period to move him to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. Considering his serious condition we did not think he would to wait to be transferred to the specialist,” Boodhun said.
She said Govender’s recovery had been slow but steady until complications arose.
“Keith’s condition was stable, and even though progress was very minute, it was steady. Unfortunately, while in the public facility, Keith picked up an infection and was back to fighting to stay alive,” she said.
“He is in ICU and his condition is critical with some levels of uncertainty. This was one of the initial fears of our family which has now become a reality,” Boodhun said this morning.
She said the family was appealing to the community for support and prayers as they endured what they describe as an extremely painful and uncertain time.
“The family is emotionally torn, but we are crying out for the community to uplift us in prayer during this challenging time.
“Our hearts are so broken seeing our brother in this condition, knowing that the person responsible for this tragedy is walking freely in society,” said Boodhun earlier today.
“Our hearts are so broken seeing our brother in this condition, knowing that the person responsible for this tragedy is walking freely in society,” said Boodhun.
Mahendra Ramadrah allegedly washed the knife used to stab Keith Govender before handing himself over to Bayview police
Image: Yoshini Perumal
Last month Govender underwent emergency brain surgery following the violent altercation at a Silverglen pool hall, leaving his family emotionally devastated and facing medical bills of around R800,000.
Mahendra Ramadrah, 46, of Woodhurst, a car parts salesman, was charged with the attempted murder of Govender and is out on bail
He is now expected to be charged with murder.
When the incident happened last month, Keith’s father, Ashlin Govender, described his son as a peaceful and hardworking young man.
“He is humble, non-violent and well-respected. He works in payroll and plays pool and soccer. Now we do not know how he will be after he wakes up. We are scared that he will not wake up the same. We are holding on by a thread,” he said.