1008603681__20260415__0 Shan Govender
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AFTER a two-week legal battle over his remains and funeral, Shan Govender, 66, who was killed in a workplace murder-suicide at Mondi in Richards Bay, was finally laid to rest on Sunday.
Govender’s children and former wife were locked in a court battle over his remains as they each wanted legal rights to his remains.
Govender, of Brackenham, was shot at the Mondi Richards Bay Mill by an employee, who thereafter turned the gun on himself on April 8.
His funeral was due to be held on Saturday, April 11, but was postponed due to a high court battle between his common law wife of 14 years, Jean Naidoo, 59, and his former wife and children.
Both parties eventually came to a resolution out of court regarding his funeral arrangements, and Govender’s funeral was held on Sunday, April 19.
He had a Christian funeral at the home he shared with Naidoo, as per his final wishes.
Naidoo said she was relieved that she was able to give Govender the send-off that he wanted.
“The case would have gone on for about three months in the high court if we had not reached an agreement. I could not let my husband’s body lie in a mortuary for three months, so I opted to allow his family to have legal rights over his body.
“His family then allowed me to have Shan’s body to conduct his funeral for three hours on Sunday. His body was then taken to the Clare Estate Crematorium for cremation.
“I did not attend the cremation. His family did not give me some of his ashes so that I could immerse it into the sea, but I conducted the ritual at Pelican Island with the cross-shaped bouquet of flowers that was on his coffin,” Naidoo added.
She said although the funeral notice was sent out late on Saturday night after the families reached a resolution, she was shocked that hundreds of people attended to pay their respects.
“Hundreds of people flocked to our home, which showed me how loved Shan was. I am thankful for the support of family, friends, the community, and staff at Mondi.
“I pray for peace in the family, and for Shan to rest in peace,” she added.