Man accused of child rape and murder pleads guilty

The 33-year-old man accused of the abduction, rape and murder of Zanokuhle Khumalo (7) on July 29 in Makhaye village, outside Empangeni, has pleaded guilty to all counts of charge.

The news emerged today (Thursday) from the Mtubatuba High Court, where the trial is taking place.

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After the accused’s initial appearances, the case was transferred from the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court to the Mtubatuba High Court, much to the dismay of Zanokuhle’s family, who said the trip would be expensive.

The case has been in the spotlight as South Africa prepares to observe the annual 16 days of activism against gender-based violence next month.

On October 10, protesters gathered outside the Mtubatuba court, holding signs with anti-GBV messages and shouting for blood as they demanded that the accused not be released on bail.

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