Malvern couple murder accused in court
The man arrested for the murder of Brian and Tilly Pope faces charges of murder, attempted murder, housebreaking, robbery and kidnapping.
PHAROAH Mhone, the man accused of killing a Malvern couple and assaulting their son and daughter-in-law, while they were on holiday, appeared at the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
According to reports, Mhone, a 32-year-old Malawian national, faces two charges of murder, two of attempted murder along with housebreaking, robbery and kidnapping.
Mhone had no legal representation during his first court appearance but said that he would find himself a lawyer. He said he understood English but asked for a Chichewa interpreter.
The court battled to find an interpreter and the magistrate, Hannes Breyl, queried whether he could speak in another language. Mhone said he could speak Zulu. According to reports, Mhone was not fluent in the language and was unable to follow the proceedings.
Mhone was arrested on Family Day, 21 April, at the farm where he was employed as the caretaker and where the gruesome murder of Brian and Tilly Pope took place on Sunday 20 April.
The case has been adjourned until Tuesday 6 May, allowing Mhone time to find legal representation.
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