Mzumbe, KwaZulu-Natal – A man accused of the brutal stabbing of his baby mama, Londeka Mbhele from Mthwalume, made his initial court appearance at the Mzumbe Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 24 May, sparking outrage and protests from the local community.
The accused faces a murder charge following the tragic incident that occurred after the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday, 10 May. According to reports, Londeka and her family were celebrating the victory of their beloved team, Kaizer Chiefs, when she received a phone call from her baby daddy.
Londeka's brother, Sanele Mbhele, recounted the harrowing events: "Londeka received a call, and she answered that she was at home. After that call, she went away for a while. She then returned later bleeding and begged to be rushed to hospital. She was bleeding from her neck."
The family immediately rushed Londeka to the hospital, where nurses attended to her swiftly. However, while Sanele was in the process of creating a medical file for his sister, doctors informed him of the devastating news – Londeka had passed away.
Sanele believes the motive behind the alleged murder stems from the couple's recent break-up, as well as the accused's alleged failure to support their three-year-old child. "They had a three-year-old child together. She had previously told us that she dumped him because he wasn't supporting their child. So, I think this incident could be because of that break up," he claimed.
The family was unable to attend the accused's first court appearance on Wednesday, 14 May, due to funeral arrangements. However, Sanele confirmed that they would be present for his next appearance.
In a show of solidarity and anger, residents from Mthwalume and officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development gathered outside the Mzumbe Magistrate Court to protest the alleged crime.
The crowd, holding placards and chanting for justice, voiced their outrage over the brutal killing that has deeply affected the local community. Their presence outside the court served as a powerful message, demanding accountability and urgent action to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
The KwaZulu-Natal Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, also attended the court proceedings, demonstrating her commitment to supporting victims and their families and to underscore the department's firm stance against GBVF.
Despite the community's presence and the MEC's involvement, the matter was remanded to Wednesday, 21 May, for a bail application hearing. The decision to postpone the hearing has likely added to the community's frustration and determination to ensure justice for Londeka Mbhele.
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