Keith Jeremiah Govender died in hospital last week.
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AFTER the tragic loss of their eldest son, a Chatsworth family face the daunting challenge of settling enormous medical bills incurred during his treatment at a private hospital.
Keith Govender, 22, died a month after he was attacked and stabbed in the head during a thunee game at a pool hall in Silverglen.
Mahendra Ramadrah, 46, of Woodhurst, a car parts salesman, was initially charged with attempted murder following the stabbing. He was granted R1,000 bail.
Police confirmed the charge had changed to murder.
Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Magwaza, spokesperson for KwaZulu-Natal SAPS, said: “The attempted murder case has been changed to murder after a 22-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Thursday.”
Ramadrah is expected to appear in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court next week.
Speaking to the POST on Tuesday, Keith’s cousin, Vinothan Govender, said the past month had been a traumatic ordeal filled with hope, uncertainty and heartbreak as they waited for signs of recovery.
Govender, 37, a technical engineer, said: “Keith loved the soccer field just as much as he loved the pool table, and music was always a big part of his life. He brought energy, laughter and warmth wherever he went.”
He said Keith's death felt “unreal” as they had believed he would recover, especially after he survived the critical brain surgery performed shortly after the attack.
“There were many sleepless nights and we held on to every bit of news from the doctors. The overwhelming support and prayers from the community strengthened our faith and gave us so much hope.
“Keith fought incredibly hard to stay alive. He made it through the surgery on that very first night when doctors said his survival was 50/50. From that moment on, we truly believed our boy was going to keep fighting and pull through.”
Keith was initially treated at Chatsmed Garden Hospital, where he underwent emergency brain surgery. However, the cost of treatment soon became overwhelming.
“On top of the heartbreak of losing their son and then having to lay him to rest, his family is also facing the difficult reality of trying to find a way to settle the medical bills.
“It has been an incredibly heavy burden, both emotionally and financially. The bills at Chatsmed Garden Hospital escalated to hundreds of thousands of rand, which is why we had to move him to a public hospital.”
He added the family now faced the additional difficulty of settling the medical bills while mourning their loss.
“We are trying our best to make payments, bit by bit. We are incredibly grateful for the financial support we have received so far,” he said.
Govender said their pain and loss were further compounded by the fact that Keith’s alleged killer was on bail.
“Our hope now is that justice will be served, not only for Keith, but for the peace of our family and everyone who loved him. No outcome can ever bring him back, but we believe that the person responsible must be held accountable.
“It was incredibly difficult for us to hear that the accused was granted bail of R1,000. While we respect the legal process, it was heartbreaking to feel that the value placed on Keith’s life seemed so small. Our family are still grieving a devastating loss, and moments like that make the pain even heavier.”
The family hope the justice system will ensure accountability.
Govender said the family also hoped the case would serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability within the justice system.
“Our message to law enforcement and everyone who serves in the justice system is this: when you take on that role, you do so under oath to serve and protect the people of this country. Failing to deliver justice in cases like this is not only failing Keith, it is failing our country and every other child, parent and sibling who has suffered a similar loss, and never received the justice they deserved.
“Keith’s life mattered, and we hope that the justice system will do everything in its power to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.”
He said the family were grateful for the support they received.
“The Govender family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has stood by us over the past month, from Keith’s hospitalisation to his funeral. Your support, love and presence have meant more than words can express.
“From the hospitals to the paramedics, security, funeral service and the wider community, family and friends who have lifted us during this difficult time, and lastly to Keith’s friends, thank you for living life with him.”