Shailen Singh
Image: Supplied
THE family of slain Mount Edgecombe businessman Shailen Singh, are hoping for justice, as the trial dates for his alleged killers are being set.
The pre-trial hearing for murder accused Ferrel Govender, 41, the group chief executive officer of ProSecure, a security company, and Darren Govender, 36, a business owner, was expected to be held in the Durban High Court today (Thursday).
However, it was adjourned until next week.
The brothers are accused of killing 32-year-old Singh, who lived in Mount Edgecombe.
Singh, who owned Shails Trans, a logistics company, was shot multiple times while seated in his vehicle in a restaurant's parking lot in Meridian Drive, uMhlanga, in December 2024.
The father of one died at the scene after being shot in the head, neck and abdomen.
It is alleged that Singh was killed due to an “affair” between himself and Ferrel’s partner.
Speaking to the POST following their court appearance, Pradeep Singh, Shailen’s father, said they were still struggling to come to terms with his death.
“Every time we go to court and see his alleged killers we are taken back to the day that we received the news he had been shot and killed. We relive the trauma. It is still very difficult for the family to cope with our loss.
“We are also sad every time we look at Shailen’s son, who looks exactly like his father, and think that he has to grow up without him. My grandson was just two months old when he was robbed of his father. He is now a year and six months old, and Shailen was unable to witness all of his milestones, such as his first word, 'dada' and his first steps.
“He also always kisses a framed picture of Shailen. Sometimes, he will just say dada. All we want is for the trial to start, so that we can get justice. But, we will never be able to truly heal from our pain,” he said.
Murder accused Ferrel Govender, left, and his brother Darren Govender.
Image: IOL
According to the State, represented by senior advocate Krishen Shah, it is alleged that the murder was premeditated.
According to the indictment’s summary of substantial facts, it is alleged Salona Ramrutton/Kisten was romantically involved with Ferrel and resided at one of his homes in a residential estate.
Singh was also a resident at the estate.
According to the court papers, Ferrel was enraged by the fact that Singh allegedly had an affair with Ramrutton/Kisten. He allegedly, together with his brother, conspired and decided to kill Singh.
It is alleged that Ferrel contacted Singh and arranged to meet him at the rear parking lot of a restaurant in Umhlanga on the morning of December 29, 2024.
“Both accused proceeded to the arranged meeting place in separate vehicles.”
It is alleged that the brothers were both armed with firearms, with Ferrel being in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
According to the court papers, Ferrel proceeded to Singh’s vehicle in which he was seated, and fired several shots at him, fatally wounding him.
It is alleged that the brothers then fled the scene in their respective vehicles.
In addition, Ferrel faces an additional 13 charges which include attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, crimen injuria and contravention of the Cybercrimes Act and Firearms Control Act.