The trial of Pfananami Goma (24), accused of murdering his girlfriend in Folovhodwe village in the Mutale area in 2022, is set to begin on 24 April.
Goma appeared in the Thohoyandou High Court, sitting at Waterval, on Monday. He is alleged to have killed 17-year-old Zwivhuya Miriri on 20 November 2022.
The victim's older sister, Zelda Miriri, said the family was relieved that Goma would finally stand trial. "Every time we see him in court, we feel pain in our hearts. He [allegedly] beat my sister to death with an electrical cable, but the case has been postponed many times. He is just sitting there in jail while my sister is gone forever. He looks so healthy, as if he is living in a hotel. The time has finally come for him to face justice. All we want is to see him sentenced," she said.
It is alleged that the two had been arguing over Zwivhuya Miriri's pregnancy, which Goma had denied responsibility for.
Speaking to Limpopo Mirror on Monday afternoon, the victim's mother, Ndoweni Miriri, said she was still heartbroken over her daughter's death.
"But I am relieved that the suspect will finally face trial and that he remains in custody. He has tormented and threatened us daily. He once assaulted my daughter in my presence and even threatened to kill the whole family," she said.