A heartbroken father stood outside the Bellville Magistrate’s Court in South Africa on Wednesday morning, April 2, 2026, his voice trembling with grief as he spoke about the brutal killing of his 25-year-old daughter, Entle Manzi.
Brutal Stabbing Incident
Entle Manzi was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend over the weekend in Parow Valley, Cape Town, in what police have confirmed is a murder case now under investigation. According to police reports, she was assaulted and stabbed multiple times, with wounds reported on her neck and chest.
Family in Shock
Her family, still in profound shock, gathered at the court as they awaited the first appearance of the man accused of killing her. Bhekisizwe Manzi, struggling to contain his emotions, said, "I will never be the same again. She is supposed to be turning 26 on Friday, April 3."
Manzi described his daughter as the eldest of three children, a young woman whose life was cut short in an act of violence he had always feared but never imagined would reach his own home. "As a father with daughters, I have always been on edge about the violence in South Africa. I never thought that this would happen to me," he said.
The Nightmare Begins
The family's nightmare began with a phone call on Monday. "I got a call around 12 midnight from an agent who wanted to confirm my relationship to her," he recalled. "They said they found her work tag. The agent only told me to expect a call from a detective."
According to Manzi, his daughter had been in a relationship with the accused, 24-year-old Mihlali Dlepu, since 2021, and he was known to some members of the family. "That boy has killed the rest of our family and me because this will affect us for the rest of our lives," he said, emphasizing the lasting impact of the tragedy.
Police Investigation
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a murder case was opened following the stabbing incident in the early hours of Monday, March 30. "The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. We can confirm that a 24-year-old male was arrested in connection with the murder," he said.
Court Proceedings
On Wednesday, the accused made a brief appearance in court, and the matter was postponed to Thursday, April 2, for a formal bail application. The Manzi family says they will wait, holding onto hope that the court will deliver accountability for the life of a daughter they say was taken far too soon.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about domestic violence and safety in South Africa, as families grapple with the devastating consequences of such crimes.
