Brutal Chatsworth stabbing: Father's urgent plea for help with son’s medical bills

A Chatsworth father has made an urgent appeal to the public to help save his son's life after the 22-year-old was stabbed in the head during an argument last week.

Keith Jeremiah Govender sustained devastating brain injuries after he was allegedly attacked by a someone he knew during an argument while playing the card game, thunee, at a local venue.

The weapon used reportedly penetrated both the left and right sides of his brain, leaving him in critical condition. The suspect was expected to appear in court this week.

Keith has since undergone an emergency craniectomy and remains on a ventilator in the intensive care unit at a local hospital.

According to his family, he has suffered severe head and brain trauma and will require further scans, procedures, and at least one additional operation.

His family says the medical costs are escalating daily, and they are unable to afford the treatment needed to save his life.

Keith’s father, Ashlin Govender, described the severity of his son’s injuries.“My son’s injury is very serious. His brain is badly affected, and he needs another operation,” Govender said.

“He cannot breathe on his own and is completely dependent on the machines. Every day we are praying that he survives.”

Govender said the alleged incident occurred after the suspect contacted Keith and invited him to a card game. Although they were not close friends, they knew each other and had played together before.

“What hurts us is that this person called my son to come play, and we later learned he already had a weapon with him,” Govender said.

“During the game, there was an argument, the suspect attacked my son. He then tried to defend himself.  Another friend stepped in and was stabbed in the hand, and then my son was stabbed in the head. The damage is severe.”

The distraught father said the family is appealing to the justice system to deny bail to the suspect.

“We are pleading with the courts not to grant bail,” he said. “My son is lying in ICU fighting for his life. We want justice, and we want accountability. The suspect must be held responsible, including for the hospital bills.”

Govender explained that while Keith was previously on medical aid, he aged out of coverage after turning 21, leaving the family with mounting medical expenses.

“The doctors and hospital staff have done an incredible job, and we are grateful to them,” he said.

“But the bills are not paid yet, and we do not have the funds. That is why we are asking the public to help us keep him in this hospital, where he is receiving the specialised care he needs.”

The family has launched a public appeal for donations, saying every cent will go toward covering Keith’s medical treatment.

“He is only 22 years old,” Govender said.  “He has his whole life ahead of him.”

Anyone wishing to assist the Govender family can visit the Backabuddy link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/save-keith-jeremiah