The deceased was a 27-year-old journalism graduate who later pursued studies in hospitality and became a qualified chef at Trumps Grillhouse in Sandton.

Nomusa Ndaba described her sister as a smart, kind young woman and a devoted mother to her 3-year-old daughter, Niana. The deceased was also a businesswoman who co-owned a company, Intombizakithi Sauces, with her sister, Nokubonga.

Ndaba stated that the alleged killer had tormented their sister for years, relentlessly threatening her with the cruel promise that if she ever left him, he would rip their child away from her.

“Our sister was physically and mentally abused for years. He used to threaten to take her child away if she leaves him, he used to threaten to kill her if she left him,” she said.

Here’s more on what the family shared: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHa-WUGNX9a/?igsh=MWswd2k5NzZtMmQzZw%3D%3D

Those close to her shared that the deceased was kind, driven, and lived for her daughter.

“She loved her daughter deeply, she was beautiful, outgoing, bubbly, and always a goofball. She had a great sense of humour, knew how to listen, and was always there to support her loved ones. Zakithi was loyal to those she cared about and made sure they knew how much she loved them. She had so much to live for. Zakithi was a breath of fresh air, a lover who gave her heart fully to those she loved.”

Ndaba's funeral took place on March 15 in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal.

WomenForChange also took to social media to rally support for Zakithi under the hashtag #JusticeforZakithi, urging their followers to stand with the Ndaba family: 'Please stand with Zakithi’s family in court on March 20. Let’s ensure Aviwe Poswa does not receive bail.'

WomenForChange link: https://www.tiktok.com/@womenforchange.sa/video/7480977990495505669

TEARS Foundation also expressed their condolences regarding Zakithi’s senseless murder, stating: ‘No family should have to endure such a profound loss due to gender-based violence.’

“Our hearts at TEARS go out to her child, her sister, and her entire family during this devastating time. No family should have to endure such a profound loss due to gender-based violence.

“This tragedy hits home for all of us, reminding us of the urgent need to speak out against femicide and demand accountability for perpetrators. We must stand together to reaffirm our commitment to ending GBV.”

If you or someone you know is in need of support, remember: help is available. Toll-free line: 08000 83277

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za

#bail-application

Fuming family demands justice after brutal killing of Johannesburg chef Zakithi Ndaba