The killing of two KZN women has shocked residents in the province, especially due to the brutal nature of their murders.

The first victim is Zinhle Mafu who was stabbed, allegedly by her husband Malusi Mafu (31). The incident happened at their Bhomela home in KZN, and it is said that Malusi hanged himself with a wire after the ordeal.

The couple was found by their 13-year-old son.

According to Nqobile Mafu, Malusi’s sister, they had separated because of issues in their marriage.

“When I heard Zinhle was here, I was happy because I thought she had come back and maybe they were going to fix things.”

Nqobile said on the fateful day, she received a phone call while she was on her way to town. She was told she must return home immediately.

Not the first domestic violence incident for the family

In 2019, another brother of Nqobile’s, bludgeoned his wife with a hammer. He handed himself over to the police and was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment.

His three children were then taken in by Malusi and lived with him.

According to Nqobile, the children have now experienced the tragic death of their parents for a second time.
The couple had five children of their own, of which the youngest is 10 months old.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Sibu Ncane said Paddock police are investigating a case of murder and an inquest.

“A 32-year-old woman was found dead and a 31-year-old man hanging in the bedroom at their residence on March 23 at Mpakeni in Bhomela.”

Second victim

Meanwhile in Baphumile area in the Umzumbe municipal area, Hlengiwe Ntini (34) was fatally stabbed, allegedly by her brother, last Saturday, after he accused her of witchcraft.

Her body was found next to her two-year-old child who was also covered in blood.

Hlengiwe ’s older brother, Sanele said it does not make sense why her brother allegedly killed their sister like that.

He said there was no proof that she had been using muthi on him.

“He did not want Hlengiwe to go to the neighbours or the neighbours visiting her because he believed they were using muthi on him.”

Sanele said he first beat her up last Friday night, however, the neighbours intervened and he stayed outside her room until the next morning. Sanele added that his brother later on managed to get inside the house and locked his sister inside.

This is when he allegedly killed her in front of her child.

Police spokesperson Captain Zenzele Mpinge said a case of murder has been opened at Msinsini Police Station.

“A woman was stabbed to death during an alleged argument. The woman was declared dead on the scene and a 34-year-old man was taken into police custody. He appeared in the Turton Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder which has been remanded to tomorrow (April 4). The accused remains in police custody.”