Murder trial told of wife’s ‘affair’
THE murder trial of Pregerson “Preggie” Govender, alleged to have killed his lover’s husband, resumed in the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Tuesday).
The 36-year-old bar owner, of Henley Road, Shallcross, pleaded not guilty to killing Dhanasagren Naidoo.
The shooting took place in the early hours of April 21, 2012, at the Jamaica Shopping Centre in Shallcross. Naidoo died at the scene. The deceased’s wife, Michelle Naidoo, denied being involved in a relationship with the accused and claimed they were good friends.
Naidoo said she and her husband, who have two daughters, were married for 18 years but were separated at the time of the incident. The deceased’s friend, Krishna Naidoo, painted a different picture.
He said Naidoo had stored his wife’s cellphone number as b*&^% on his phone and that on the night of the incident she tried to call him over 30 times regarding the accused.
Naidoo said he heard about the affair, via rumours, and believed it had been going on for about a year and a half.
On Tuesday, state pathologist Noktuthula Kheswa told the court that according to her findings Govender died immediately from a bullet wound to his chest.
“The gunshot wound to the chest lacerated his pancreas and diaphragm and perforated his heart.”
Kheswa said the second bullet hit Govender on his right shoulder.
“The deceased also suffered from a fracture of his T12 vertebrae, which would render him immobile immediately.”
The conclusion of the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the chest.
Speaking outside the court, the deceased’s brother, Seelan Naidoo, said their family hired a watching brief attorney, Ben Padayachee.
“My mother is 66 years old and since my brother’s death, her health has been on a downward spiral. We hope the trial concludes soon and justice prevails.”
The trial continues.