Financial struggles forces Ferrel Govender to switch his legal representation for his upcoming murder trial

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, which has been scheduled to proceed in January 2027.

Govender and his younger brother, Darren, are both 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, Salona Ramrutton Kisten. 

During Thursday's pre-trial 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 got confirmation from Govender that he consented to Maniklall's 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 told the court that while the State initially sought two sessions for the murder trial, an agreement was reached with the defence that one session would suffice.

Both the State and defence agreed to list the matter on standby on the 2026 court roll, which meant that the trial could proceed this year, if other cases did not go ahead as scheduled in the current year.

Shah said, failing which, the trial was 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.” 

The matter was adjourned to April 16 to consider possible dates that could be secured for sittings on the 2026 court roll.

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za