In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a Zimbabwean man based in Zamdela, Sasolburg Free State Province, South Africa, has appeared in court on allegations of fatally stabbing his girlfriend with a knife following a heated argument over a love text message. Tendai Kugotsi, 26, appeared before Harare Magistrate Mr Dennis Mangosi, where he faced murder charges.
According to the State’s case, the incident occurred on Christmas Day 2023, around 2 am, at Kugotsi’s residence in Zamdela. Kugotsi and his girlfriend, whose identity has not been disclosed, were together at the scene. The court heard that an altercation ensued when the deceased received a WhatsApp message from Abraham, an Ethiopian national she had previously worked with, which read ‘I love you’.
During the heated argument, Kugotsi allegedly took a knife from his kitchen and stabbed the deceased once in the left shoulder. He then reportedly sat on top of her, strangling her until she succumbed to her injuries.
Following the incident, Kugotsi fled the crime scene on Boxing Day and crossed the border into Zimbabwe. He hibernated in Seke, Chitungwiza, where he remained in hiding until February 5, 2024.
However, detectives from CID Homicide in Harare received information regarding Kugotsi’s whereabouts and swiftly acted upon it. They apprehended him in Chitungwiza, leading to his subsequent arrest.
Tendai Kugotsi has been remanded in custody pending his bail application at the High Court.
