Pfananani Sipho Goma, arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend, appeared in the Thohoyandou High Court, sitting at the Waterval Magistrate’s Court, on Monday.

Goma is accused of beating his 17-year-old girlfriend, Zwivhuya Miriri, to death with an electric cable on 20 November 2022, following a brief argument.

Goma's case was postponed, and a hearing date was set for 11 to 15 November 2024.

The state's witnesses in this case include Muyahavho Edward Libago, Elphus Tshisamphiri, and Shumani Netshiungani (all SAPS members from Muswodi SAPS); Zelda 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 their relief that the case is now proceeding after a long delay as the murder was committed nearly two years ago.

Her elder sister, Zelda Miriri, said she hoped that Goma would finally face justice. “I know that even if he receives a long sentence, my sister will never come back to life, but as a family, we would like to see him rot in jail,” she said.