A 47-year-old man accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death appeared at the Pongola Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

He was remanded in police custody pending further investigations and is expected to reappear in the same court on Wednesday, 14 April.

ALSO READ: Empangeni community calls for justice for murdered teenager

The deceased’s family claims the deceased, Hlengiwe Thabethe (38) of the Esidakeni area in Kwalubisi Reserve outside Pongola, was killed by the father of her two children outside the family house.

Hlengiwe’s elder sister, Thobisile Thabethe (49), alleges that last Wednesday night Hlengiwe received a call from the accused, asking her to come to the gate to collect money for their children.

‘After a short while we heard her screaming for help. When we rushed out to investigate, we found her lying in a pool of blood.

She had been stabbed more than nine times. Her lover was nowhere to be found. ‘We feared for our lives because, before his arrest we heard rumours that if he was arrested, he would come back and kill all his children, as well as Hlengiwe’s friends,’ Thobisile said.

‘We know him very well.

He could kill these children because in 2016 he was arrested on the accusation of stabbing a councillor to death. But he was later released owing to a lack of evidence.’

Police spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, said Hlengiwe was declared dead at the scene.

‘She sustained multiple stab wounds to her upper body.

The suspect appeared in court on Tuesday and the matter was adjourned to 14 April.’

HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer