Supporters Rally Behind Govender Brothers Proclaim Their Innocence

Outside the Durban Magistrates Court on Monday, supporters of two brothers accused of killing Durban businessman Shailen Singh gathered with placards, passionately declaring their innocence.

Shailen Singh was fatally shot while seated in his car in Umhlanga on December 29, 2024. Ferrel and Darren Govender, accused of the murder, appeared at the Durban Magistrates Court on Monday morning for their bail hearing, as their supporters rallied outside, proclaiming their innocence.

Arriving in over four buses, supporters of the Govender brothers held up bold placards with messages such as “The Govenders are innocent, not guilty,” “The truth will set them free,” and “Justice will reveal the truth.”

Outside the Magistrates Court, a tent bearing the logo of the brothers’ security company, Pro-Secure, was erected by their supporters. Dressed in T-shirts featuring images of Ferrel and Darren, the group displayed a unified message: “The Govenders are innocent.”

The hallways leading to the courtroom were filled to capacity as supporters gathered in large numbers to show their solidarity.

During the proceedings, police had to unlock the staff entrance to give the crowd of supporters a chance to catch a glimpse of the courtroom action.

Wearing white T-shirts with images of the late Shailen Singh, his supporters rallied outside the court, calling for bail to be denied to the accused.

Inside the courtroom, senior public prosecutor Nkululeko Msiya requested the bail application be postponed until Tuesday, as they awaited confirmation from the provincial Director of Public Prosecutions on whether the case would fall under Schedule 5 or 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

In response, senior defence attorney Ravindra Maniklall, representing Ferrel Govender, strongly opposed the State’s request and insisted that the bail application should continue as planned.

“Whether the bail application is a schedule six or five it would not make a difference,” he said.

Maniklall stated that they were ready to proceed with a Schedule 6 application and urged the prosecution to provide the investigating officer’s affidavit. He argued that having access to it would streamline the process and allow the defence to address any necessary points efficiently, saving the court valuable time.