Pinetown court set to announce verdict in double murder case involving boyfriend
Lindokuhle Mbhele who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend Ntokozo Brian Khumalo
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The Pinetown Regional Court is anticipated to announce its verdict in early January regarding the murder cases of Lindokuhle Mbhele and Zinhle Zulu, both of whom were allegedly killed by their boyfriend, Ntokozo Brian Khumalo, in separate incidents.
Khumalo is accused of killing Mbhele on August 31, 2023, and burying her body in a ditch in a neighbour's yard in Tshelimnyama. Mbhele’s decomposed body was discovered two days later, on September 2, 2023.
Following his arrest for Mbhele's murder, police connected Khumalo to the 2022 killing of Zulu, which allegedly occurred while he resided in KwaDabeka. It is claimed that after Zulu’s death, Khumalo moved to Tshelimnyama, where he began a relationship with Mbhele, killing her five months into the romance. By the time Mbhele was buried on September 9, Khumalo had already left the Tshelimnyama area where he lived with his brother.
Mbhele’s sister, Ntokozo Mbhele, expressed her hope for justice and closure once the court delivers its ruling. However, she admitted uncertainty due to previous case postponements. “We were hoping that by this time the case would be finalised. We also want closure,” she said.
Despite her hope, Ntokozo expressed her fear that justice may not be served and that Khumalo could walk free, confessing: “I am scared of him.” She also noted the heartbreaking aspect that Khumalo maintains his innocence despite the compelling evidence presented by the State.
During the trial, Khumalo claimed self-defence, asserting that he merely pushed Mbhele, whom he claimed had a knife, during a fight over a phone call. The State, however, alleges that Khumalo fatally stabbed Mbhele.
The victim had reportedly left her home in Tshelimnyama to deliver medication to Khumalo, whose residence was in the same area, promising her family she would return.
When she failed to come back as expected and did not answer her phone, her family contacted Khumalo. He told them he did not know her whereabouts. He later went to the Mbhele family home and suggested they report her missing to the police, claiming he was also worried.