NATIONAL NEWS - The bustling nature of the Montford Shopping Centre in Chatsworth, Durban, came to a halt on Sunday after a young man was shot dead following an alleged altercation.
Minutes after the murder, the cordoned area became a polarising site for the local community, who were going about with their usual shopping when the shooting occurred.
The communications officer of Chatsworth SAPS, Captain Cheryl Pillay, shed more light on the incident.
“On March 12 at about 15:00, a shooting occurred at the Montford Shopping Centre where a 33-year-old man was discovered with a gunshot wound to the chest. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The motive for the murder is unknown. On March 13, a 62-year-old suspect handed himself over to Chatsworth SAPS where he remains in police custody. He will appear in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court in due course on charges of murder and theft of a firearm,” explained Pillay.
As Giovanni Govender’s lifeless body lay outside the entrance of a popular shop, his shocked and traumatised family members could be seen weeping and embracing one another as some remained close to the scene while for others, it proved to be too much.
Amawele Emergency Services spokesperson Siven Subramodey said: “We were called out to the unit seven shopping centre just after 15:00 by members of the public after a shooting incident. We arrived at the scene with other medical services to find a man in his 30s with a single gunshot wound to the chest. Sadly, the victim had no signs of life and was declared dead at the scene.”
The deceased’s older brother, Burton, provided insight into who his baby brother was before his untimely demise.
“We are a big family, and this has hit us hard. I cannot believe it. Giovanni was the youngest in our family and was naturally spoilt as he was the baby. He was humble, quiet, shy, and God-fearing. He may have gotten up to nonsense in high school but he was an innocent individual, who never drank or smoked. We often went up against each other with our fantasy league football with the other brothers as he loved his sport and Liverpool. Giovanni never was a ruffian or a troublemaker so for him to get into a fight is very surprising,” said Burton as he recalled the nature of his brother.
He added that his brother worked for a shipping freight company- a job that required him to move around the country frequently.
“He travelled extensively due to his job. As such, he carried a firearm for his safety. He never showed off or made a fuss with his gun though. Many people did not even know that he was armed. This incident does not make sense to me because people are saying the person who killed him is a dealer- someone who I know he would not associate with. After all, my brother always confided in me. I would like to know exactly what happened and hope that justice prevails,” said Burton.
He added that 2023 was set to be Giovanni’s year, with life-changing plans on the horizon, which have now all but faded into darkness.
“He was planning to relocate to Cape Town with his girlfriend as he was the only one of us without his own home, with marriage and the prospect of starting a family of his own. But now, all that is gone,” concluded the 49-year-old.
Chatsworth police are investigating a case of murder. Anyone who can assist police with investigations is urged to contact Chatsworth SAPS on 031 451 4267. Alternatively, contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
