The state, who claims to have evidence of premeditated murder, has vowed to fight ‘tooth and nail’ to keep the man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend, Tshwane University of Technology student Ntokozo Xaba (21), behind bars after it came to light that he wishes to will apply for bail.

Blue Bulls’ junior rugby player Ngcebo Thusi appeared in the Pretoria magistrate’s court last week where he indicated that he wants to apply for bail, an application he previously abandoned.

He is alleged to also have been Xaba’s ex-boyfriend at the time of her death and the last person she was seen with alive at her student accommodation, before her body was discovered with stab wounds to the neck in February.

Thusi is facing a charge of murder and defeating the administration of justice for Xaba’s killing.

The court said the postponement, to May 4, was to inform all parties involved in the case that Thusi, who had previously abandoned his bid for bail, has changed his mind.

According to reports, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will oppose bail.

NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says the authority has evidence that suggests that the murder was premeditated; hence, it will fight tooth and nail to see that Xaba remain in custody.

Ngcebo Thusi who was arrested in connection with the killing of Ntokozo Xaba is appearing again in the Pretoria Magistrate’s court. He stands accused of stabbing Xaba to death. He previously abandoned bail & is applying for bail again today/ #eNCA #NtokozoXaba pic.twitter.com/htXhvWJYwP

— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) April 20, 2023