A 33-year-old man accused of the kidnapping, rape, and murder of seven-year-old Zanokuhle Khumalo on July 29 at Makhaye Village, outside Empangeni, has pleaded guilty to all charges.

The plea was entered today at the Mtubatuba High Court, where the trial is taking place.

The case was previously heard at the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court but was later transferred to the Mtubatuba High Court, much to the dismay of Zanokuhle’s family, who expressed concerns about the cost of travelling to attend the trial.

This case has drawn attention as South Africa prepares to observe the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) next month.

On October 10, protesters gathered outside the Mtubatuba court, waving placards with anti-GBV messages and demanding that the accused be denied bail.