The man allegedly linked to the disappearance and murder of Ayabonga Mjilo will make his first court appearance in Durban on Monday.

Twenty-three-year-old Mjilo went missing on Christmas Day. Her lifeless body was discovered in a shallow grave in the Inanda area, north of Durban, on Saturday.

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The suspect nabbed in connection with her disappearance is also believed to be someone known to her.

Mjilo’s murder is the latest in a spate of violent incidents that have rocked KwaZulu-Natal in recent weeks.

She was last seen leaving a restaurant in the Umhlanga area, north of Durban, on Christmas Day alongside a male companion.

Police investigations uncovered the suspect to be her work manager.

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Following his arrest, police later discovered that the victim was strangled and then buried in the suspect’s yard.

The accused murderer will appear in the Durban Magistrates Court on charges of kidnapping, murder, and defeating the ends of justice.

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