University of Venda student in court for alleged murder of girlfriend
A 20-year-old student from the University of Venda has appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrates’ Court on a murder charge after the fatal stabbing of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Vhulondo Nevhukalanga.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the accused, Masindi Sifundo from Miluwani Unit C, briefly appeared in court following the incident that took place on August 29, 2025.
“It is alleged that the accused and deceased were in a relationship as girlfriend and boyfriend. Both were registered students at the University of Venda; the accused was in his second year, and the deceased was in her first year,” said NPA regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi.
According to the NPA, the incident occurred at Ngovhela Greenstone accredited off-campus residence, where Sifundo allegedly stabbed his 20-year-old girlfriend, Nevhukalanga Vhulondo, who succumbed to her injuries.
University spokesperson Dr Takalani Dzaga said, according to preliminary reports, the two entered the residence in seemingly high spirits before chaos erupted moments later.
“Shortly thereafter, loud noises and signs of distress were heard from the room,” Dr Dzaga said.
“Upon the arrival of the security personnel in his room, he jumped through the window from the second floor to the ground, and he passed out. He was then arrested immediately,” Malabi-Dzhangi added.
“As a family, we don’t even remember her ever telling us about dating or being in a relationship,” he said.
“She knew very well that we had sent her to university to study – and it was only her first year.”
Mbedzi said the family was in shock following her brutal death.
The matter has been postponed to November 26, 2025, for further investigations. The accused remains in custody.
IOL News