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Murder accused's fate to be known tomorrow

Murder accused's fate to be known tomorrow

The Citizen08-05-2025
Murder accused's fate to be known tomorrow
PRETORIA – Verdict in the trial of the accused De Deur serial killer Zaheera Boomgaard is expected in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria tomorrow.
Boomgaard is accused of murdering three individuals between 2012 and 2020.
Judge John Holland-Muter noted during closing arguments that the evidence against Boomgaard is overwhelming, especially concerning the murders of British citizen Harry Nathvani and her girlfriend, Lynette Mustapha.
Boomgaard, who pleaded not guilty, appeared emotionless when prosecutor André Wilsenach argued that the only correct conclusion that could be drawn was that Boomgaard was directly involved in the crimes.
The state's case against Boomgaard relies largely on circumstantial evidence, but the evidence is convincing.
Nathvani's burnt body was found in De Deur in March 2020.
It is suspected that he was strangled and attacked with a blunt object.
Forensic evidence linked Boomgaard's vehicle to the crime scene, and highway cameras showed that her car was near the location where the body was found on the day of the murder.
In addition, police found Nathvani's cellphone at the accused's residence months after his death.
Investigators determined that Boomgaard had conducted internet searches on the deceased's estates.
The deceased's bank cards were also used for large transactions after his death.
Mustapha was murdered in August 2020, and her body was dumped near Nathvani's.
Investigators also discovered forged wills in Boomgaard's possession naming her as Mustapha's sole heir. A handwriting expert confirmed that the wills were forged.
Boomgaard initially implicated her late brother, Prem Basdeo, in the murders, but later retracted her statement.
The judge noted that these varying accounts weakened her credibility.
Although the state conceded that there was limited evidence about a third alleged victim, John Naisby, both victims (Nathvani and Naisby) visited Boomgaard before they disappeared.
As the trial draws to a close, the court must decide whether the weight of circumstantial evidence is sufficient for a conviction.
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Uncovering the Past: The forgotten story of Krugersdorp's first police station
Uncovering the Past: The forgotten story of Krugersdorp's first police station

The Citizen

time6 hours ago

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Uncovering the Past: The forgotten story of Krugersdorp's first police station

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Its existence, however, had minimal impact on the British residents of the Stand Township [today's Krugersdorp CBD],' Jaco explained. Few references to the District Township appear in local newspapers or archives. Most historical records mention only the Stand Township. While the Stand Township had a distinctly British character with a largely English-speaking population, it remained under the governance of Dutch-speaking officials from the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR). Law and order were enforced by the Republican Police, and local courts were presided over by magistrates. 'The key official in town was the Mijn Kommissaris [gold commissioner], who issued mining claims and stand licences and, for all practical purposes, acted as the town's mayor. A small but prosperous Dutch-speaking middle class of professionals, shopkeepers, merchants and traders also lived in the Stand Township, ensuring a noticeable Dutch presence,' Jaco said. 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Outrage after man eats KFC chicken inside vegetarian Iskcon restaurant
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IOL News

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Outrage after man eats KFC chicken inside vegetarian Iskcon restaurant

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Amid Epstein furor, Ghislaine Maxwell seeks relief from US Supreme Court
Amid Epstein furor, Ghislaine Maxwell seeks relief from US Supreme Court

Daily Maverick

time7 hours ago

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Amid Epstein furor, Ghislaine Maxwell seeks relief from US Supreme Court

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