Zandile Mthembu (32), accused of murdering her boyfriend, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 27 August 2025.
Mthembu faces murder and defeating the ends of justice charges following the death of 35-year-old Thabiso Nxumalo, who was allegedly stabbed to death in Pretoria West on 9 August – the day of his birthday.
Magistrate Lesetja Mphahlele postponed the case to Thursday, 4 September, for a bail application.
Mthembu remains in custody until then.
The Nxumalo family, friends, and the deceased’s colleagues are calling for a harsh sentence.
Speaking outside court, Thabiso’s sister, gospel singer Londiwe Sphe Nxumalo, expressed the family’s deep pain.
“As the family, we have to keep coming and be reminded every time. We will see next week how the case proceeds,” he said.
“This is too new. The wound is too deep for us. We are still trying to find ourselves. In the process, we were traumatised. The loss is huge.”
Sphe said tensions are high ekasi.
“The community is angry outside, and it will not be good for her to get bail,” she said.
Thabiso’s brother, Philani Nxumalo (37), echoed her sentiments.
“We don’t want her to get bail. We lost a family member. Our brother was killed in a gruesome manner,” he said.
Family friend and colleague, Jabulani Ngobeni, said Thabiso’s death has left them devastated.
“It’s hard every day, as we are trying to be strong, but it’s painful,” said Jabulani, appealing for a harsher sentence.
