A 22-year-old man from Chatsworth has died following a stabbing incident during a popular card game, with police upgrading the case from attempted murder to murder.
Keith Govender was attacked in late January while playing Thunee at a pool hall in Silverglen. He succumbed to his injuries on Thursday at R.K. Khan Hospital after weeks in hospital.
According to police, the altercation began after Govender declared he had won the game, prompting a dispute with the 46-year-old suspect.
“Bayview police initially opened the case of attempted murder on 31 January following an incident in which the victim was allegedly stabbed by a 46-year-old suspect and sustained head injuries,” said Paul Magwaza.
Govender’s cousin, Nicole Boodhun, said the suspect was known to the group as a friend. “They were in the middle of a game. Keith declared he had won and the suspect contested. There was an exchange of words, and as friends tried to intervene, the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed Keith twice in the head,” she explained.
Govender underwent emergency brain surgery and was placed in an induced coma but ultimately did not survive.
The suspect, who has made multiple court appearances, is currently out on bail and is expected to appear in the Chatsworth Magistrate Court on 25 March 2025.
Tributes for Govender have been pouring in on social media from family, friends, and the local community.