In a dramatic turn of events, the Thohoyandou Magistrate's Court has provisionally withdrawn the attempted murder charge against former journalist and Limpopo government spokesperson Fhumulani Kenneth Mathivha (66).
Mathivha, who hails from Makwarela township, appeared in an empty Court D on Tuesday. His legal representative, Adv Esau Ngwana, was absent. The sitting lasted less than five minutes, during which Mathivha was informed that the charge had been provisionally withdrawn, pending a decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The case stems from an incident on 16 December last year in Sibasa, near Bergvlam Primary School. It was previously reported that Mathivha had gone to collect his grandchild's report card when he was involved in an accident with a vehicle driven by a woman. A heated argument allegedly ensued, and when the woman exited her car, she was allegedly struck and injured by Mathivha's vehicle.
Mathivha was arrested after reporting to the Thohoyandou Police Station when summoned. He spent two nights in custody before being released on R2,000 bail on 18 December.
The complainant, Ms Lindelani Muthambi, was not present during Mathivha's two previous court appearances.
Despite his retirement, Mathivha has remained active in community initiatives. In March 2024, he was appointed chief executive of the Rev Tshenuwani Farisani Foundation, an organisation he has been involved with since its inception.