MURDER accused Sikhumbuzo Zungu is due back at the regional court on May 21 after he appeared on April 21 when the matter was set back for a trial date.

It is reported that Zungu, who was arrested for allegedly fatally stabbing the mother of his child, Babongile Nkonyeni, has to secure legal representation for the trial.

Zungu made his first appearance at the regional court on Tuesday (April 21) after the matter had been transferred from the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that Zungu murdered Nkonyeni on Sunday, October 26, at about 03:00 at a residence in Pinetown. Zungu was arrested two days later.

Nkonyeni’s family has expressed relief that the commencement of the trial is on the horizon.

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Her sister, Phumla Shezi, said the family hopes for a conviction so that the accused can be placed behind bars.

Zungu, who was refused bail late last year, faces an additional charge of theft because at the time of his arrest, he was allegedly found in possession of two cellphones belonging to Nkonyeni.

The court refused Zungu’s bail because the presiding officer had said at the time that it was not certain that he would attend court if his application was granted, considering that after Nkonyeni’s murder he had thought of committing suicide.

Nkonyeni’s mother, Sibongile Shezi, has previously said that she learnt that the relationship between her daughter and Zungu was strained, but would not speculate on whether that was the cause of the murder.

Zungu being denied bail was welcome relief for Nkonyeni’s family who said at the time of the ruling that “this is what we wanted”.

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