SITEKI – Mavis Philile Gama, 28, of Ngcina appeared in Siteki Magistrate’s Court yesterday facing charges of murder and attempted murder after allegedly killing a six-year-old boy and attacking his nine-year-old brother with a bushknife.
The nine-year-old reportedly escaped with a severe head injury and ran to a neighbouring homestead for help. According to police, the incident happened in broad daylight at a Khumalo homestead in KaMkhweli while the children’s father was away at a nearby police station reporting Gama for prior violent behaviour.
Gama, who is said to have been in a relationship with the boys’ father and shares a seven-month-old baby with him, allegedly demanded money when she arrived at the homestead. The relationship was reportedly strained due to her violent tendencies. 
During her court appearance before Principal Magistrate Musa Nxumalo, Gama was brought in by four female police officers and was seen interacting casually with a relative. Prosecutor Celumusa Dlamini requested that she be remanded in custody pending her committal to the High Court.
The court also ordered that Gama will make further remand appearances at Big Bend Magistrate’s Court as investigations continue.
