Ferrel Govender forced to switch legal representation amid financial struggles before murder trial
Murder accused, former security boss, Ferrel Govender, has changed lawyers due to financial difficulties.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
Former security boss Ferrel Govender, who is accused of murder, has been forced to change his legal team due to financial difficulties ahead of his trial, now scheduled to proceed in January 2027.
Govender and his younger brother, Darren, are charged with the murder of businessman Shailen Singh. The brothers allegedly shot the married man in broad daylight on December 29, 2024, on Meridian Drive in Umhlanga. Govender accused Singh of having an affair with his girlfriend, Saloma Ramrutton/Kisten.
During a pre-trial conference on Thursday morning at the Durban High Court, attorney Ravindra Maniklall announced his withdrawal from representing Govender, the former Pro Secure boss, stating that his client could no longer afford his services.
“I have run into a problem with accused two (Ferrel) with finances. We have made a decision together that I will withdraw so that he can obtain a more affordable lawyer,” Maniklall explained to the court.
Judge Nompumelelo Radebe confirmed this with Govender, who consented to the withdrawal. Maniklall had instructed advocate Michael Helens SC to represent Govender. Darren is still represented by advocate Christo van Schalkwyk SC.
Advocate Laurence Hodes SC then placed himself on record as Govender’s new representative, stating that he was instructed by Arvina Harrichan Attorneys.
Hodes informed the court that Govender’s new legal team would consist of himself and two attorneys, assuring the court: “We are the more affordable representatives.”
Senior State prosecutor, advocate Krishen Shah, also addressed the court. While the State initially sought two sessions for the murder trial, an agreement was reached with the defence that one session would suffice.
Furthermore, the State and defence agreed to list the matter as a back-up for the 2026 court roll, meaning the trial could proceed if other cases unexpectedly do not go ahead during the year.
Shah stressed that if the back-up plan fails, the trial is firmly set to run from January 18, 2027, until February 21, 2027.
Judge Radebe acknowledged the possibility, saying: “The matter can still be accommodated as back-up; the year is still young.”
She then adjourned the matter to April 16 to check if earlier dates could be secured in the 2026 court roll.
nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za