Shortly after Ntokoto Mabasa, accused of murdering her 31-year-old boyfriend Xichavo Ntsanwisi, appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, the matter was postponed to be heard in Regional Court 3 on Friday.

Outside the courthouse, family and friends of the deceased staged a protest, holding placards and calling for justice for Xichavo.

Read more: Mob justice aims to end crime

Jacob Ntsanwisi, Xichavo’s brother, spoke about the devastating impact of his sibling’s untimely death on the family. “We are quite saddened by the loss of our brother. We are trying by all means to cope, but we are heartbroken as a family. We thought, as [Xichavo and Ntokoto] grow up, they will settle down and grow up together, unfortunately it has to end up like this.”

The deceased’s childhood friend, Danisa Jambatani, recounted her shock when she received the news of her friend’s passing. She said there were no tell-tale signs of abuse. “I knew about their relationship, and from a distance, it seemed fine. There were no visible signs of abuse, according to what I saw.”

Also read: Midrand murder accused bail hearing postponed

Mabasa faces a charge of murder, following the fatal stabbing of Xichavo in Midrand on September 22. Police responded to the scene and found him with a stab wound, leading to Mabasa’s arrest.

During her initial court appearance, on September 25, state prosecutor Lufuno Maphiri said the state was opposed to Mabasa’s release on bail and requested a postponement.

Although Mabasa’s defence lawyer, Maanea Ramashia, argued that a seven-day delay was excessive, magistrate Reiner Boshoff granted the state’s request. Mabasa remains in custody, with the matter now postponed to October 3.

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!