A rugby player, who represented the Blue Bulls at amateur level, appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today.

Ngcebo Thusi is accused of the murder of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) student Ntokozo Mayenzi Xaba (21) last Thursday.

He is alleged to be Xaba’s ex-boyfriend.

Colonel Dimakatso Sello says the Hercules police are investigating the case.

“It is reported that on February 1, the victim was drinking with friends, including her ex-boyfriend, at a house in Pretoria Gardens. The friends reportedly left the two together.”

Sello explains Xaba was found dead with stab wounds to the neck, the next morning.

“The ex-boyfriend has since been taken in for questioning by the police and investigations continue.”

TUT spokesperson Phaphama Tshisikhawe said the university mourns the passing of the third-year student

“TUT is shocked and deeply saddened by her passing.”

Xaba resided at Ekhaya Junction and was enrolled for a national diploma in the integrated communication programme.

“The university is providing the family of the deceased with as much support as we can at this difficult time.”

Vodacom Bulls communications manager Lunga Kupiso told Pretoria Rekord that the accused was not contracted to the Bulls.

“He never had a contract [and] he was never offered or been promised a contract. He played under the Blue Bulls Rugby Union [BBRU] country district umbrella, which is an opportunity to be scouted for the professional ranks.”

BBRU president Willem Strauss adds: “He played for a development team in the second lead club. He is not part of the professional player setup.”

The union released a statement regarding the murder charges.

“Owing to social media messaging, BBRU has been made aware of an alleged murder case involving a young rugby player who represented the Blue Bulls Country Districts during the 2022 season.

“While we do not know all the details of the incident, we wish to reiterate that BBRU, its affiliates, partners and members, continue to stand in one.”

Strauss sent his condolences to the family.

“As a parent and grandparent, I cannot imagine the amount of pain and sorrow that fills your hearts at this very moment – a pain that is likely to linger for a long while because the void of losing a loved one is never easy, more especially when it is your child,”

Strauss adds that due to the nature of the matter, no further comment could be made, but implored the police to offer the family comfort in the hands of justice.

The case was postponed to next week Monday.