DPP to decide on Minerva Gardens murder prosecution

THE DIRECTORATE of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is expected to decide whether it will go ahead with the prosecution of the Minerva Gardens murder trial next month. 

The accused, Clive Ferris and his daughter, advocate Celeste Nameka, made a brief appearance in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, June 17.

They face several charges, including murder, attempted murder, and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The charges relate to the fatal shooting of 56-year-old Charmaine Anthony and the wounding of her son, Lucan Anthony, during an incident at Minerva Gardens in Kimberley on December 21.

“Shoot them, Daddy, shoot them all,” was allegedly the instruction given by Nameka, 43, to her father, Ferris, 67, following an argument between Nameka and her boyfriend.

The dispute reportedly began when the couple accused each other of infidelity, prompting the arrival of family members and a group of men wearing balaclavas.

The matter was postponed as the defence advocate for the accused was appearing in another court on Tuesday.

Magistrate Kubashnie Padayachee granted Nameka an exemption from reporting weekly to the police station, a bail condition imposed in connection with an additional assault charge involving a family member of the deceased.

Both accused have applied to have their bail conditions relaxed in relation to the murder and attempted murder charges.

They are expected to reappear in court on July 16.