UKZN Student Zinhle Mchunu Found Murdered In Suitcase, Boyfriend To Apply For Bail

The disappearance of a 23-year-old University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) student has ended in tragedy after police confirmed she was murdered and buried in a suitcase, allegedly by her boyfriend.

Zinhle Mchunu, from Ladysmith, went missing on November 22, 2025. Her body was discovered weeks later following a confession by her 22-year-old boyfriend, Themba Xaba, who has now been charged with murder.

UKZN Student Reported Missing After Boyfriend’s Claims Raise Suspicion

Alarm bells were first raised when Mchunu’s sister, who lives in Gauteng, received a phone call from Xaba on November 22. According to a family member, Xaba claimed he had argued with Zinhle and that she had packed a few clothes and left their rented home in Umlazi late at night.

He allegedly told the family that he assumed she had gone to her ex-boyfriend’s place.

The family found the explanation troubling and travelled to Durban on November 24 to confront Xaba at the police station. However, while they were on their way, Xaba reportedly left Durban and returned to Ladysmith.

Further suspicion arose after it emerged that Xaba was found in possession of Mchunu’s bank card and cellphones. Family members were also informed that WhatsApp messages from November had been deleted.

Chilling Clues Lead to Confession and Suitcase Burial

Friends had already reported Mchunu missing and alerted police to messages in which Xaba allegedly asked his landlord for tools to dig the ground.

“We arrived in Durban and went to the police station where we introduced ourselves as the parents,” a family member said.

“We were taken to where Xaba resided, and the place was searched for any clue, but nothing was found.”

While searching the yard, the family noticed a damaged wall and signs of burnt rubbish. When questioned about the tools, Xaba allegedly claimed he needed them to burn waste.

With no progress in the investigation, the family hired a private investigator. A major breakthrough came on December 19, when police contacted the family late at night and travelled to Ladysmith with new information.

After being taken into custody in Bergville, Xaba initially denied knowing what happened to Mchunu. However, the following day he reportedly asked to speak to detectives and confessed.

He admitted to killing Mchunu, placing her body in a suitcase and burying it at the Umlazi property where he had been renting.

Bail Application Pending as Family Awaits DNA Results

Xaba made a brief appearance at the Umlazi Magistrates Court on December 22, 2025. Through his mother, he reportedly expressed remorse and claimed the killing was a “mistake”.

“He is going to appear again on January 26, and he intends to apply for bail,” a family member said.

Mchunu’s family is now awaiting DNA results before proceeding with funeral arrangements. She is survived by her three-year-old daughter, who relatives say keeps asking when her mother will return.

The case was confirmed by KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, who said:
“The suspect appeared before Umlazi Magistrates Court on December 22, 2025.”

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