Murder accused Khulekani Mchunu, who stands charged with the killing of his girlfriend Sphumelele Nkomo, is expected to apply for bail despite previously abandoning his application — a development that has left the victim’s family shocked, confused and disheartened.
Speaking to the Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid outside the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 30 April, the victim’s sister, Sindi, said the family cannot understand why the accused is now attempting to secure bail after earlier choosing to abandon it.
“We are confused. He chose to abandon bail before, now he wants to apply again. It doesn’t make sense to us,” she said.
Sindi added that the family feels sidelined in the case, accusing the investigating officer of failing to keep them informed.
“The investigating officer has never spoken to us to update us on the case. We don’t know what is happening unless we come to court. As a family, we are disheartened,” she said.
Mchunu, who is accused of murdering Nkomo on 24 December 2025, had initially abandoned his bail application after it emerged that his family was unwilling to accommodate him at an alternative address. However, the court has since heard that he now claims to have secured a new address and intends to formally apply for bail. The State has indicated it will oppose any application.
The deceased and Mchunu, who both worked as security guards at RK Khan Hospital and lived together for about a year, reportedly had a violent argument on the day she disappeared. Eyewitnesses say Mchunu smashed Nkomo’s phone and neighbours heard her crying as she allegedly tried to flee. Mchunu allegedly hid Nkomo’s personal documents and even pretended to be her, texting the family and her manager to falsely claim she was safe and had found work. The family also claim to have found a spear in his room, which they believe may have been used in the killing.
The matter has been referred to the Regional Court, with all investigations now complete. The case is set for Monday, 1 June for a Regional Court decision.
The case, which was initially opened as a missing person investigation before being upgraded to murder, has sparked outrage in the Chatsworth community, with renewed calls for justice and stronger action against gender-based violence.
Mchunu remains in custody as the State prepares to oppose his bail application.
