The family of 30-year-old Ntombenhle Nkomo say they remain hopeful that justice will prevail following another court appearance by her boyfriend and murder accused, Khulekani Mchunu, on Wednesday, 21 May.
Mchunu first appeared in court in January in connection with Nkomo’s murder.
During the latest proceedings, the court heard that an alternative residential address for the accused had been verified by the investigating officer.
The State opposed bail, informing the court that family members were unwilling to accommodate Mchunu should he be released.
The matter was subsequently declared trial-ready and transferred to the Regional Court.
Defence attorney Mr Mathebula told the court that the defence did not oppose the transfer of the matter.
However, he raised concerns regarding aspects of the investigating officer’s submission, specifically questioning the whereabouts and movements of certain family members linked to the case.
Mchunu remains in custody and the matter was postponed to 22 June 2026 in the Regional Court.
Outside court, Nkomo’s cousin, Sihle Duma, spoke about the emotional and practical hardships the family has faced since the 30-year-old’s death.
Duma explained that the family experienced difficulties enrolling Nkomo’s child at a school in KwaMakhutha while the child was living with her grandmother because they did not have the required identification documents.
“We had to use a court letter of authority before we could secure space for the child at school,” she said.
She added that Nkomo’s 12-year-old daughter is still struggling emotionally while coping with the loss of her mother.
“Sometimes she becomes very sad when she misses her mother,” Duma said.
Despite the trauma experienced by the family, relatives said they remain optimistic about the legal process and hopeful that justice for Ntombenhle Nkomo will be served.
