Keith Govender's parents, Ashlin and Sabitha Govender, outside court.
Image: YOSHINI PERUMAL
FAMILY and friends of Keith Govender, 22, who died a month after he was stabbed in the head during a thunee card game, protested for justice as his alleged killer made a brief appearance in court on Wednesday.
Mahendra Ramadrah, 46, a car parts salesman, appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, on a charge of murder.
The charge against Ramadrah was changed from attempted murder to murder after Govender died in hospital on March 12.
He was released on R1 000 bail on February 11.
Mahendra Ramadrah during his court appearance on Wednesday.
Image: YOSHINI PERUMAL
Ramadrah, a father of one, was also charged for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm for allegedly stabbing a staff member at the pool hall when he tried to stop the fight.
At the start of his bail application in February, he told the court that he intended pleading not guilty.
He said he acted in self-defence.
The court heard that Govender’s outstanding medical reports still needed to be obtained by the State.
A photo album was also outstanding.
The matter was adjourned for further investigation.
Family and friends of Keith held placards outside court, demanding for justice.
Image: YOSHINI PERUMAL
Outside court, Govender’s cousin Nicole Boodhun, told the POST that Govender’s parents were distraught to see their son’s alleged killer in the dock.
“We are standing together with Keith's parents, who had to face their son’s alleged killer again in court. We held a placard demonstration to remind the community that someone from this very area thought it was okay to take matters into his own hands, and stab someone in the head during a friendly card game.
“We want to remind the court that Keith was our son, brother, cousin, and friend, and that he was dearly loved. We are distraught that Keith was taken away from us. He is no longer fighting for his life, and we are now fighting because he was robbed of his life. We want justice,” Boodhun said.
She said the Govender family was grateful to everyone who supported them during Keith’s admission at hospital, and after his death.
“We have been overwhelmed with the support from the community. Keith could have been anyone’s son, brother or cousin,” she added.