Ferrel Govender, who is accused of murdering Durban trucking businessman Shailen Singh, has been denied bail for the fifth time.
The Durban High Court dismissed Govender’s latest bail application on Monday, despite his offer to pay R3 million bail and relocate to Sandton if released.
Govender also offered to wear a tracking device in an attempt to address concerns that he could interfere with State witnesses.
Judge Jacqueline Henriques ruled that the new facts presented by Govender did not amount to exceptional circumstances warranting his release.
“I am unpersuaded that there are new facts warranting a second new fact bail application or that the applicant has established exceptional circumstances,” Henriques ruled.
Govender, the former CEO of security company Pro Secure, faces 14 charges, including the murder of Singh and the attempted murder of Salona Ramrutton/Kisten.
The State alleges that Govender and his younger brother, Darren, killed Singh at Meridian Park in Umhlanga on 29 December 2024.
The prosecution has alleged that Govender discovered Singh was having an affair with Ramrutton/Kisten before the shooting.
Govender was initially refused bail in February 2025 when he appeared alongside his brother. Darren was granted bail of R200,000, while Ferrel remained behind bars.
Ferrel subsequently challenged the bail decision in the Durban High Court and then the Supreme Court of Appeal, but both attempts were unsuccessful.
A further bail application based on new facts was dismissed in November 2025.
His latest application was launched on 28 May 2026, shortly before the murder trial was scheduled to begin.
Govender argued that being released would allow him to consult more freely with his legal team, particularly because he faces a possible life sentence.
His legal team also raised issues surrounding the jurisdiction of the courts and sought the recusal of the magistrate who had handled his earlier bail application.
However, Judge Henriques dismissed the recusal application, finding that it was based on Govender’s assertions and untested hearsay.
With the latest bail application now rejected, Govender remains in custody.
The trial of Ferrel and Darren Govender has been postponed and is now scheduled to proceed in May 2027 before Judge Mbuzeni Mathenjwa.
The case follows the fatal shooting of Singh in Umhlanga in December 2024, which sent shockwaves through Durban’s business and trucking community.
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