A grieving family in KwaZulu-Natal is demanding justice after the brutal killing of their loved one, 35-year-old Happy Mthethwa, whose death has left a community shaken and searching for answers.

The tragic incident unfolded in the Nkwezane area in Stanger, north of KZN, where Happy had returned home to spend time with her family during the Easter weekend. What was meant to be a peaceful visit quickly turned into a nightmare that has now sparked outrage and calls for swift police action.
According to reports, Happy was allegedly stabbed to death on Sunday, 5 April, in what her family believes was a violent act carried out by her ex-boyfriend. The suspect, who is still on the run, is said to have refused to accept the end of their relationship—a detail that has added a chilling layer to the case. (Daily Sun)
Her brother, Innocent Mthethwa, recounted the events leading up to her death with visible pain. He explained that his sister had attended an Easter church service earlier that day and was preparing to return to Johannesburg, where she lived and worked. Before leaving, she had intended to collect some of her belongings from her ex-boyfriend’s home.
Instead of going directly there, Happy reportedly stopped by a friend’s house. It was during this time that her ex-boyfriend contacted her, questioning why she had not yet come to fetch her clothes as planned. When she told him where she was, he allegedly made his way to the location.
What followed was a violent confrontation that would ultimately cost her life.
According to Innocent, the suspect arrived at the friend’s house and attacked Happy, stabbing her multiple times. In a particularly disturbing detail, the family claims that her throat was also slit during the attack. After carrying out the assault, the suspect fled the scene and has not been seen since. (Daily Sun)
The brutality of the killing has left the family devastated and struggling to come to terms with their loss. Happy was a mother of three children, who are now left without their parent. Her ex-boyfriend, the alleged perpetrator, also has children from a previous relationship, including a newborn baby reportedly just two weeks old at the time of the incident.
As the search for the suspect continues, the family believes he may still be hiding within the community. Innocent revealed that there are indications the man has been secretly returning to his residence, possibly with the help of others who alert him when it is safe to do so.
In a bizarre twist, the suspect’s sisters allegedly attempted to mislead police officers. They reportedly asked for police escort to collect what they claimed were the belongings of their “deceased brother.” However, upon arrival, authorities discovered that the man in question was not dead but was actually wanted in connection with Happy’s murder. When questioned further, the sisters allegedly admitted that their brother was indeed on the run after killing his ex-girlfriend.
These revelations have only deepened the family’s frustration and sense of injustice. They are now pleading with law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts and ensure that the suspect is apprehended as soon as possible.
KwaZulu-Natal police have confirmed that a murder case has been opened. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated that officers responded to the scene following reports of a stabbing incident involving a woman known to the suspect. Upon arrival, they found Happy’s lifeless body bearing visible injuries, including stab wounds and bruises.
Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing and that the motive behind the killing has not yet been officially established. However, early indications suggest that the incident may be linked to the couple’s recent breakup.
The case has once again highlighted the persistent issue of gender-based violence in South Africa, where many women continue to lose their lives at the hands of intimate partners or former lovers. Community members and social commentators have expressed concern over the frequency of such incidents, calling for stronger interventions and harsher consequences for perpetrators.
For the Mthethwa family, however, the issue is deeply personal. Their focus remains on ensuring that Happy receives justice and that her alleged killer is brought before the courts.
“We just want him arrested,” Innocent said, echoing the sentiments of a family now left with unanswered questions and a painful void.
As the manhunt continues, the community remains on edge, hoping that authorities will act swiftly before the suspect can cause further harm. Meanwhile, Happy Mthethwa’s children, family, and friends are left to mourn a life cut tragically short—another name added to the growing list of victims whose stories demand not only justice, but lasting change.
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