Published – 22:51, December 26, 2025
By Thabelo Ramulifho
DURBAN, South Africa – The desperate search for Simphiwe Zinhle Mchunu, a 23-year-old final-year Education student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), ended in heartbreak on Friday when her body was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase at her Umlazi residence. The grim find, confirmed by South African Police Service (SAPS) late Thursday, has devastated her family and sparked outrage in her hometown of Roosboom, near Ladysmith.Mchunu, originally from Roosboom, vanished last month after ceasing all contact with her loved ones.
Zinhle was last seen in Umlazi, where she lived while pursuing her studies at UKZN’s bustling campus. Alarmed relatives drove from Ladysmith to Umlazi, scouring the area before filing a missing person’s report with SAPS. “Zinhle was our pride – bright, dedicated, and so close to graduating,” said her aunt, Nomusa Mchunu, speaking through tears outside the family home in Roosboom. “We never imagined this nightmare.”Police investigations led to the residence, where officers uncovered Mchunu’s remains hidden in a suitcase on the premises.
A man known to the deceased was swiftly detained for questioning and formally arrested in connection with her death. He is slated to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court soon, though charges are pending forensic results.The motive remains unclear as SAPS probes the circumstances, including possible foul play. UKZN issued a statement expressing condolences: “Our hearts ache for Simphiwe’s family and friends. We are cooperating fully with authorities and urging students to prioritize safety. “Mchunu’s death has rippled through Roosboom and Ladysmith communities, prompting calls for enhanced student security amid rising campus-related crimes. Vigils are planned, with locals vowing justice. “No family should endure this,” Nomusa added.
The investigation into this murder continues, police say. The motive for the crime remains unclear as SAPS probes the circumstances, including her disappearance and possible foul play. UKZN issued a statement expressing profound condolences: “Our hearts ache for Simphiwe’s family, friends, and fellow students. We are cooperating fully with authorities and urging all students to prioritize personal safety.”Mchunu’s death has amplified calls for enhanced student security, particularly for those living in off-campus accommodations, amid rising campus-related crimes across the province. Vigils are being planned in both Umlazi and Roosboom, with local community leaders vowing to seek justice.
