‘Mzolo killed her for jilting him’
Suspect accused his ex-girlfriend of making a fool of him
Thabani Mzolo – who stands accused of the brutal slaying of Mangosuthu University of Technology student Zolile Khumalo – was indicted in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old was arrested just moments after he allegedly shot and killed Khumalo inside her room at the Lonsdale student residence in May.
Dressed in a leather jacket and Gucci loafers‚ Khumalo found it hard to hide his grin.
He faces charges of murder and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Prosecutor Calvin Govender‚ outlining the state’s summary of substantial facts‚ painted Mzolo as a jilted lover who struggled to come to terms with Khumalo ending their relationship.
“The termination of the relationship was not accepted by the accused [Mzolo]. He decided to kill her.
“He entered the residence under the pretext of visiting another student. He was armed‚” Govender said.
Mzolo is alleged to have sent another man to check if Khumalo was in her room and when this was confirmed‚ barged in himself.
“[Mzolo] confronted [Khumalo]‚ accusing her of making a fool out of him.
“He drew the firearm from the bag and fired shots at her‚” Govender added.
The court heard that Khumalo died from gunshot wounds to her head and chest.
The slaying of Khumalo‚ a quantity surveying student‚ brought to the fore issues of gender violence and femicide as debated on social media.
Mzolo will appear in the Durban High Court for the start of his trial on October 8.