Durban — A warrant of arrest has been issued for Bongani Sanele Mlambo, 28, who is alleged to have stabbed to death Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) student Xolile Mbatha, 23, on July 31, at a residence in Mahatma Gandhi Road called Ark Royal Residence.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said that when police arrived at the scene, they found the body of a woman with multiple stab wounds on the body.
“She was certified dead at the scene. The victim was identified as Xolile Mbatha. A case of murder was opened at Point SAPS,” Gwala said.
She said Mlambo’s whereabouts were unknown.
“We appeal to anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the wanted suspect to contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Xulu on 031 367 4012/ 082 720 9592 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MySAPS App,” she said.
At the time of the incident, Gwala said it is alleged that Mbatha was killed by a known suspect following a domestic dispute.
Mbatha was an electrical engineering student, who was residing at one of MUT’s externally leased residences.
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza said continued acts of women abuse were totally unacceptable.
“South Africa is a country that has a Constitution that puts a high value on human rights, with a strong emphasis on gender equity. We have also enacted laws to ensure that people who violate women’s rights are given jail sentences that benefit their crimes. However, incidents of women abuse continue to plague our society, which means we need to devise new ways to ensure the protection of women,” Khoza said.
MUT acting vice-chancellor and principal Professor Marcus Ramogale appealed to staff, students and the public to co-operate with the police and to come forward if they have any information that could help in the investigation.
Daily News