The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has decided to charge Pfananani Sipho Goma with murder, following the death of his girlfriend, Zwivhuya Miriri, on 20 November last year. Goma appeared in the Mutale Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Goma made several appearances in the Mutale Magistrate's Court last year in attempting to apply for bail, which was consistently denied. In his last appearance, the court was awaiting a decision from the DPP on whether to prosecute and on what charges.
On Monday, when he appeared before magistrate Theodora Mathivha, he was informed that the DPP had decided to charge him with murder, and his case had been transferred to the Thohoyandou High Court for trial in August. "Your case will be heard in the Thohoyandou High Court from 12 August to 16 August," magistrate Mathivha stated.
While reading the indictment from the DPP, Mathivha listed the state's witnesses, including Muyahavho Edward Libago, Elphus Tshisamphiri, and Shumani Netshiungani (all SAPS members from Muswodi SAPS), Mavis Miriri (sister of the victim), Ndoweni Miriri (mother of the victim), Dr MS Molele (Tshilidzini Hospital), Pulani Tshivhulana (SAPS Musina), Mr M Tshikhudo (EMS), and MC Rikhotso (Tshilidzini Hospital).
The victim's family expressed relief at the decision to charge Goma with murder. Ms Ndoweni Miriri, Zwivhuya's mother, said they were relieved that the suspect would face trial for her daughter's murder. "He once assaulted my daughter in my presence and threatened to kill the whole family. I pray that justice takes its course in this case," she said.