THE man who is accused of killing Sithokozile Dlamini and burying her in the dunes at an Ilfracombe beach in Umgababa appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court on July 23.

Also read: Winklespruit attempted murder

Dlamini had been reported missing after her family could not reach her after she left for work on July 12.
A relative who asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons said it was still a mystery how Dlamini left her home on Amandawe near Scottburgh on her way to Umzinto but ended up dead in Umgababa.

“As we tried getting hold of her by calling her cellphone, a strange man would answer the calls, saying he doesn’t know Sthokozile. The WhatsApp messages sent to her phone were also being read. This person eventually deactivated the WhatsApp profile and locked Sithokozile’s Facebook page,” said the relative.

A missing person’s case was opened, and the phone was tracked to Msawenkosi Shozi (54), who allegedly later confessed to the police that he had killed Dlamini after raping her. He took the police to the beach where he pointed out the shallow grave which contained Dlamini’s mutilated remains. After his court appearance, he was remanded in custody while the investigation continues.

It has since emerged that Shozi was recently released on parole after he was sentenced for rape a few years ago.

Dlamini was buried at her home on July 26. Shozi will make another court appearance at a later date after appointing a legal representative.

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