Man appears in court for fatal stabbing of girlfriend in uMhlanga

Sphamandla Khumalo appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Tuesday August 6, in connection with the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend in the parking lot of Gateway Theatre of Shopping in uMhlanga, north of Durban, on Sunday, August 4.

Mr Khumalo, 34, and another man fled the scene after Nomfundo Msibi, 30, was stabbed.

Both men were later arrested. Mr Khumalo was charged with murder and the second suspect was released on Tuesday as there was no evidence linking him to the crime.

In court it was heard that Ms Msibi and Mr Khumalo were in a relationship and she had met him at the mall to finalise payment over a lay buy purchase. Mr Khumalo, was still in his blood stained T-shirt when he arrived at court on Tuesday. Mr Khumalo told the court that he is from Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) but he was now living in an informal settlement near Gateway.

Prosecutor Sandiso Ngonyama said the state was opposed to bail, citing witness safety, verification of Mr Khumalo’s address and the severity of the crime. Magistrate Ashwin Singh told Mr Khumalo that if he was found guilty of the murder he would be sentenced to life imprisonment. Mr Khumalo’s case was postponed to Thursday August 15.

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that a case of murder was opened at the Durban North police station.

“The victim and the suspects were in an altercation when one of the suspects drew a knife and fatally stabbed the woman. The suspects fled the scene but were later arrested,” said Colonel Netshiunda.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping marketing manager, Ayesha Sewbaran, said the incident took place in the parking lot.

“Gateway Theatre of Shopping confirms that the stabbing incident took place near the taxi rank on Sunday, August 4, at approximately 1.30pm,” said Ms Sewbaran.

“We send our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends. We prioritise the safety and security of all patrons.”