Ferrel Govender argues for bail, citing inhumane conditions in Durban prison

Former security boss Ferrel Govender has told the Durban Magistrate's Court that he is kept in inhumane conditions at prison, where there is sewage overflow threatening his health, which has deteriorated since his incarceration. 

Ferrel, 40, is currently applying for bail on new facts. He and his brother, Darren Govender, stand accused of the murder of businessman Shailen Singh.

Singh was shot dead at Meridian Drive in broad daylight on December 29, 2024, for allegedly having an affair with Ferrel’s girlfriend. 

Fourteen spent cartridges were found at the scene. Darren is out on R200,000 bail.

Ferrel's attempts to gain freedom have been unsuccessful, even at the Supreme Court of Appeal.

His responding affidavit to the State was read to the record by his counsel, Advocate Michael Helens SC. It includes, among other things, the statement of the girlfriend involved in the love trial and a criminologist's report.

Ferrel said he is kept in a single cell at Westville Prison, which, according to him, is solitary confinement. 

“I am alone, and I am alone in the cell for 22 hours out of 24 hours. Now confinement is increased to 23 hours out of 24 hours, and the effects have become exacerbated,” he said. 

“There is no answer to my allegation about the seriously deficient health conditions, for example, about the overflow of sewerage and unhygienic conditions that I am being kept in.” 

He further claimed that his physical and mental health have deteriorated over the past months, adding that prison was not adequate to deal with his medical conditions.

“It is now common cause and clear that the prison authorities are not able to deal adequately with my medical conditions,” he declared.

Before Ferrel’s response to the State was placed on record, senior prosecutor advocate Krishen Shah read the investigating officer’s supplementary affidavit opposing the bail application. 

The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Kumarasan ‘Bob’ Pillay, questioned the authenticity of Ferrel’s medical claims, accusing him of being dishonest. 

Pillay's affidavit reveals significant discrepancies in Ferrel's medical history, with reports from prison doctor Dr Mbhele and psychiatrist Dr Denga contradicting earlier records by Sister Cele.

“I pray that the applicant has not been honest about his true state of health and I believe this is just a stratagem employed to be released, a stratagem which has been employed before by a famous inmate who was supposedly terminally ill, but now spends his weekends on the golf course, and yet another inmate who similarly was very “ill” in prison but is now thriving,” Pillay said. 

Challenging Ferrel's claims that he requires bail for proper medical treatment, Pillay maintains that Correctional Services are adequately equipped to address any genuine medical needs. 

Pillay's affidavit indicates that the prison medical facilities can adequately manage Ferrel's health concerns without necessitating his release. It’s not clear from either State or Ferrel what his medical condition is. 

Bail application will continue next week.

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za