The 32-year-old man who is accused of slitting his ex-girlfriend’s throat in the toilets of the Ballito Junction Regional Mall will remain in custody until his trial begins on July 20.
Umhlali SAPS spokesperson Vinny Pillay said Zakhele Mthembu made his third court appearance at the Durban High Court today (Tuesday) but that he has yet to formally plead.
“He is remanded at Westville Prison until his trial in July.”
Also read: Woman’s throat cut by ex in Ballito Junction
Mthembu allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend Siphokazi Khumalo, 32, who worked as a waitron at Turn n Tender restaurant in the Ballito Junction.
The attack sent shock waves across the community on October 18 last year.
Eyewitnesses at the mall said Khumalo went to the bathroom and was followed in by her attacker.
Also read: Eyewitness account: Ballito pastor arrests and then prays for alleged Junction murderer
“We just started hearing terrible screams coming from the ladies toilet,” said one witness, who asked to remain anonymous.
Mthembu was arrested at the scene.
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