DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – A brutal murder shocked Durban as Sphamandla Khumalo stabbed his former partner, Nomfundo Msibi, 22 times in the Gateway Mall parking lot. Prosecutor Krishen Shah argued in the Durban High Court that Khumalo planned the attack, which took place on August, 2024.
Planned Murder, Not a Crime of Passion
Shah insisted that evidence disproved any claim that the murder happened in the heat of the moment. He told the court that Msibi tried to leave the argument, but Khumalo stopped her. CCTV footage captured him stabbing her repeatedly and slitting her throat.
Investigators found an okapi knife lodged in Msibi’s body. Shah emphasized that the brutal nature of the attack proved intent.
Killer Fled the Scene
Khumalo and another man fled the taxi rank after the attack. Witnesses saw Msibi collapse in a pool of blood. Despite clear evidence, Khumalo pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder. He refused to testify in his defense. Legal Aid attorney Phumelele Danisa represented him in court.
Final Moments Caught on Camera
The court viewed security footage showing Msibi’s last moments. The video revealed her struggling before Khumalo stabbed her repeatedly. He then straddled her lifeless body and continued the attack.
Msibi’s family was devastated by the footage. Shah pointed out that Msibi had moved to KwaMashu to escape Khumalo, proving they were no longer together.
Court Condemns Brutal Attack
Judge Jacqueline Henriques acknowledged that Khumalo admitted to stabbing Msibi but claimed he never intended to kill her. However, she found no evidence contradicting the prosecution’s case.
Detective-Constable Boitumelo Phama compared the attack to the slaughtering of an animal. Henriques noted that forensic reports confirmed 22 stab wounds on Msibi’s body.
Judgment Expected Soon
The Durban High Court will deliver judgment when the case resumes on March 24. Msibi’s family hopes for justice as the case nears its conclusion.
See also:Â Justice Set to Prevail for Two Women Murdered in Limpopo Farm Shooting.
