By localnew 
A 38-year-old woman, Matsiana Phyllicia Malatjie, is set to spend Christmas behind bars after being arrested for allegedly masterminding the murder of her father.
Malatjie is accused in connection with the killing of July Mkhavele of Makhuva village, which reportedly occurred on 19 November 2024.
She appeared before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on 23 December 2025 for a formal bail application. The court did not grant bail and remanded the matter, ordering that Malatjie remain in police custody.
As a result, the accused will spend the festive season in jail. The case has been postponed to 6 January 2026 for further court proceedings.
Police investigations into the matter are continuing.
