Accused in the murder of Zolile Khumalo has been found guilty

2020-03-04

4 March 2020

Thabani Mzolo, the accused in the murder trial of slain MUT student, Zolile Khumalo, has been found guilty of murder.

Reading the judgement, Judge Nompumelelo Radebe found the accused guilty of murder, being in possession of a firearm without the relevant license, and being in possession of live rounds. Judge Radebe described the accused as a liar who contradicted his own evidence. The judge said the accused provided a flimsy defense and did not oppose evidence given by his best friend, Simiso Buthelezi who witnessed the shooting.

The judge described evidence given by others, including the accused’s friend, the deceased’s friend, police investigators and a pathologist, as credible.

Receiving the news, the University’s Vice-Chancellor & Principal, Dr Enoch Duma Malaza said: “This is a great relief to the University. Last year the Senate took a firm stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This judgement is a victory to the University and is sending a message to everyone that GBV will not be tolerated at MUT, and in South Africa. We are hoping that the family will soon be finding closure on this ordeal.”

The case resumes tomorrow for the accused to present mitigating circumstances before he is sentenced.

/ENDS

Bheki Hlophe (Mr)
Publications and Media Relations officer: Marketing & Communications
Mangosuthu University of Technology

T: +27 31 907 7195  M: +27 61 283 2257
E: Hlophe@mut.ac.za