THE former boyfriend of 22-year-old University of Zululand student Sikhulile Khuzwayo, reported missing last Friday, confessed during police questioning at the weekend to killing her.
He appeared on a murder charge in the Ngwelezana District Court yesterday (Wednesday).
The case was postponed to 7 February for a bail application, which the state will oppose.
Phaizel Mncube (37), a well known local church member, will remain in police custody until then.
He was arrested on Saturday and according to police, admitted to strangling Khuzwayo before burning her body and dumping it into a pit two Sundays ago (21 January).
‘He told Mtunzini and Empangeni detectives that he returned to the pit the following day and gathered her remains before dumping it at a location in Ncekwane,’ said King Cetshwayo cluster police spokesman, Capt Mbongeni Mdlalose.
Despite the latest developments, Khuzwayo’s family is still awaiting DNA results which will finally confirm whether the remains found in Ncekwane on Saturday are in fact those of the young student.
Khuzwayo was reported missing by Unizulu’s Protection Services Department last Friday after going missing on 21 January.
According to her aunt, Nonjabulo Mdletshe, Khuzwayo was that Sunday attending a braai with friends.
‘They have a WhatsApp group on which they always confirm arriving safely at their destination after get-togethers.
She was the only one who didn’t respond.
‘When she eventually did reply much later, the text read that she was fine, but just didn’t have data.’
When Khuzwayo failed to arrive at her temporary university residence the following day, her family became concerned.
‘On Monday a SMS message was sent from Sikhulile’s phone, saying she woke up late and her phone was going to die because it was not charged,’ Mdletshe said.
Repeated calls to her phone went unanswered.
‘On Tuesday my cousin called her number again and this time a man answered and introduced himself as her former boyfriend.
‘Mncube insisted the number we dialed was his since he didn’t have Sikhulile’s phone and hung up.
‘After she didn’t show up for registration on Friday we reported her missing with SAPS and the university’s security department.
‘Everyone kept on phoning Mncube and putting pressure on him.
‘On Thursday he even came to my house and said we should open a missing person’s case.
‘We heard that he was going away, so we put pressure on the police to go and interview him,’ Mdletshe told the ZO.
Unizulu’s Public Relations Manager, Sinegugu Ndlovu, said the university is mourning the loss of Khuzwayo.
‘The death of a student affects the entire university community.
‘Our heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved family and loved ones, hoping that they will find strength and comfort during this difficult time,’ said Ndlovu.
Vote for your favourite business in Zululand here: BestofZululand.co.za
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
