Durban - The family of slain Pietermaritzburg teacher, Gugulethu Gwamanda, are shocked and angry at charges being withdrawn against the man arrested for her murder.
A charge of murder was withdrawn against 28-year-old Sphamandla Derrick Phoswa at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. No reasons were furnished, however the Daily News established that there was insufficient evidence against Phoswa.
Phoswa was arrested by the Plessislaer Cluster Task Team after weeks of investigations.
Gwamanda, 59, was found dead in her car on a secluded road near an abandoned plantation in Baynesfield, near Richmond, on March 14.
She was found in her white Toyota Verso by a passer-by. She had been shot five times.
It is believed she left her home in Sweetwaters on March 13 to go shopping, and never returned.
Police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane, said the motive for the murder was a mystery, because the car had not been stolen and nothing appeared to be missing from the vehicle.
Phoswa was traced with the help of tip-offs.
Gwamanda was a teacher at Umthoqotho High School in Sweetwaters and was a mother of four.
Police sources revealed that divorce papers, which had been served on Gwamanda a week before her death, were found in the car.
Gwamanda’s cousin, Asanda Gumede, said the family wanted closure and wanted to know why she had been killed.
“We want answers. Why have charges been withdrawn? If this man did not do it, then who did? We cannot get closure now. We are just left more confused and angry. This is not justice,” Gumede said.
Police investigations continue.
Daily News