A 31-year-old man accused of murdering Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) student Botshelo Mabua has been denied bail by the Protea Magistrates’ Court following arguments by the state that his version of events contradicts the post-mortem findings.
Sizwe Nkululeko Yende is accused of killing the student on 25 September 2026 at his parents’ home in Rockville, Soweto.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Yende and Mabua became involved in a verbal altercation in the early hours of the morning, which escalated into violence.
NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said it was alleged that Yende pushed Mabua, causing her to hit her head against the corner of a table, before allegedly strangling her during a subsequent struggle.
Mabua was found lying on the floor inside the residence. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene but declared her dead.
During the bail application, Acting Regional Court Prosecutor Nosipho Ntlemeza argued that Yende’s sworn account of what happened did not correspond with the medical evidence.
Yende allegedly told the court that Mabua had fallen and hit her head against a chair. However, the post-mortem report established that her cause of death was manual strangulation.
Mohlatlole said the court accepted the state’s arguments regarding the contradictions and refused the accused’s bail application.
The matter was postponed to 12 November 2026 for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to decide whether the case should be transferred to the Regional Court or the High Court.
The NPA confirmed that investigations have been finalised and Yende remains in custody as the prosecution prepares to take the matter forward.
“The NPA remains committed to pursuing these cases vigorously, holding alleged perpetrators accountable through the criminal justice process, and ensuring that victims and their families have access to justice,” Mohlatlole said.
The authority also highlighted that gender-based violence (GBV) and the killing of women remain serious concerns and prosecutorial priorities.
Mabua’s death has also been mourned by the TUT Geomatics Student Society, which described her as a valued member of its academic community.
In a tribute, the society said she was expected to graduate in 2027 and called on students to support one another while standing against gender-based violence.
“Our hearts are broken. She was a beautiful soul who will forever remain in our hearts,” the society said.
The organisation also urged students to protect and look out for one another, saying it stood united against GBV.
The case has once again brought attention to violence against women in South Africa, particularly the dangers women face in intimate and domestic settings. The accused remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
