Love triangle and threats feature in explosive opening of Umhlanga murder trial

Durban A Durban businessman told the Durban High Court on Tuesday that former security boss Ferrel Govender threatened him in 2023 after a phone call involving Govender’s girlfriend, the court heard.

First State witness describes confrontation

According to IOL, the businessman who cannot be identified in court proceedings was the State’s first witness in the murder trial of Ferrel and his brother, Darren Govender. The brothers are accused of fatally shooting Durban businessman Shailen Singh in Umhlanga in December 2024.

The State alleges the killing was linked to a love triangle involving Ferrel Govender, Singh and Salona Ramrutton/Kisten, the report said.

Alleged threats followed a phone call

The witness told the court he had previously been in a relationship with Varushka Maharaj. He said their relationship began to deteriorate after he saw a WhatsApp status showing Maharaj with Ferrel at a Morningside club in Durban, which prompted him to confront her at the venue.

He testified that during that confrontation Ferrel and a man identified in court as Sandesh Moothee Ram pushed him before security intervened. On separate occasions he said he again confronted Maharaj and that Moothee Ram tried to kick him, with Ferrel intervening to stop the assault.

Ongoing contact and a crude remark

The witness told the court that despite ending their romantic relationship he and Maharaj continued a sexual relationship. He said one night while intoxicated he phoned Maharaj and admitted making a vulgar remark during the call.

He said he “wasn’t worried about any mother*****.”

The next day, the witness said he received numerous calls from Ferrel accusing him of insulting his mother. He told the court, “I said I did not swear at your mother, but if you think I did, I apologise.” The witness said Ferrel rejected the apology and continued to threaten him, including saying he would come to the witness’s workplace to deal with him.

The witness said Ferrel began turning up at his workplace looking for him, and that he avoided going to work because he feared for his safety while Ferrel continued calling to ask where he was.

Defendants plead not guilty; trial to continue

The report noted that Ferrel pleaded not guilty to all 14 charges against him, including murder, attempted murder, assault, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and crimen injuria. Darren Govender, who is out on R200,000 bail, also pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, IOL observed Ferrel taking notes and listening closely to the witness, while Darren sat in the dock wearing sunglasses and at times appeared relaxed. The trial is scheduled to continue on Wednesday, according to IOL.

Attribution

All courtroom details in this article are reported from IOL.