Ferrel Govender’s bail denial is cold comfort for deceased’s family
BAIL denied for one of the men allegedly involved in the recent killing of businessman Shalien Singh in Umhlanga has come as cold comfort for his family because they had suffered an “unbearable loss”.
After Tuesday’s ruling, the Singh family said they were happy with the Durban Magistrate’s Court’s decision to deny bail for security boss, Ferrel Govender, for alleged involvement in the killing.
The State identified Ferrel as the person responsible for the gunning down of Singh on December 29 on Meridian Drive.
On Monday, the court made the ruling to deny him bail and said he was likely to interfere with State witnesses, including his girlfriend. The State alleged that Ferrel shot the Durban businessman because he accused him of having an affair with the said girlfriend.
Pradeep Singh, father of the deceased, said they were pleased with the court’s decision, however, they were not coping. “It’s a loss that’s unbearable,” he said.
He stated that, as law-abiding citizens, they would respect the court’s ruling.
He did not comment on Ferrel’s brother, Darren, being granted R200 000 bail.
Darren was accused of assisting his brother to kill Singh.
Pradeep said he was sure that more evidence would emerge during the trial stage.
“We will let the justice system do its work,” he said.
Close friend and business partner of Ferrel, Sandesh Mootheeram, said as business associates, they were not happy that Ferrel was refused bail.
According to Motheeram, there was much that could have led Ferrel to be remanded in custody.
He said it’s been hard for Ferrel’s family.
“He has three children who are struggling significantly without their father. The youngest one is six-years-old and he is close to his dad,” he said.
About Ferrel’s business operations, Mootheeram said they were trying to manage as best as they could.
“It is quite difficult without him as our leader. In terms of the daily running of the business, everything is okay,” he explained.
He said it was difficult because they relied on Ferrel to provide guidance and assist with growing the business.
“He is the one who started the business and we all followed,” added Mootheeram.
As part of Darren’s bail conditions, he was instructed to report to the Durban Central police station every day at 6.00am and 6pm. Magistrate K Broughton warned him not to interfere with State witnesses.
The brothers would be back in the court on May 26 and Ferrel was remanded into custody at Westville prison.
DAILY NEWS