Johannesburg - On the day it was expected that Deliwe Zwakala would apply for bail, the immediate family of the woman she allegedly killed sat in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court gallery, gazing intensely at the suspected murderer.
Thohira Mitha, 27, was killed last month, strangled by a group of robbers who entered her home, allegedly helped by Zwakala, who was Mitha’s domestic worker at the time.
Earlier this week, the State revealed in court that Zwakala had already provided a confession for her role in the murder, but that police were still looking for the other people allegedly responsible for Mitha’s death.
On Thursday, Mitha’s father, mother, brother, sister, uncle and grandmother – among others – arrived at the courthouse to hear whether Zwakala would be set free while she awaits trial.
Sitting mostly in the second row of the court gallery, the family stared at the 27-year-old accused, but remained silent as she gingerly walked into the dock.
Her legal representative, Aubrey Mashiane, requested further particulars to construct his bail argument, with the State promising them by the end of business on Monday.
Mashiane said it was integral that he get a copy of Zwakala’s alleged confession, but prosecutor Yusuf Baba said he could not disclose what was in the confession unless a formal application was placed before the court, as it was key evidence.
Mashiane vowed that the application would be made.
Zwakala was warned at an appearance early in the week that the schedule 6 charges she faces – murder and robbery with aggravated circumstances – carry a possible life sentence if she is found guilty.
The bail hearing was postponed to Tuesday, with Zwakala remanded in custody.
Mitha’s family declined to speak to the media until after the coming bail application.
Reports said Mitha was the daughter of a local imam.
The Star reported earlier this week that the reason for an urgent bail application for Zwakala was because she’s pregnant.
However, the State has made it clear it will strongly oppose the application, and possibly call the investigating officer to testify against Zwakala.
The Star