A 41-year-old fugitive accused of murdering his fiancée has finally appeared before the Volksrust District Court, following more than two years on the run.

Sibusiso Sibiya, who had been wanted since February 2023 for the brutal killing of Amanda Khumalo, was arrested on October 3 in Durban.

He was remanded in custody on Monday and is due to formally apply for bail on October 27. Sibiya allegedly stabbed Khumalo multiple times at their home in Vukuzakhe, Volksrust, in full view of their two children, who managed to flee and alert neighbours. He then vanished, sparking an extensive manhunt.

The breakthrough came after detectives from Volksrust received intelligence suggesting Sibiya had resurfaced in Durban. He was apprehended at a lodge by Durban Central Detectives, working closely with police units from both KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

Authorities suspect that during his time on the run, Sibiya may have crossed into the Kingdom of Eswatini, where he is reportedly linked to another murder, also involving a romantic partner.

According to investigators, Sibiya may have been plotting a further attack, potentially involving his children, at the time of his arrest.

Acting police commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the officers involved for their relentless efforts.

“This arrest demonstrates that the long arm of the law always catches up with those who commit violent crimes. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that criminals are brought to book,” he said.