The woman who shot and killed her cop boyfriend in his sleep will remain in police custody until her next court appearance in November. Zanele Mkhonto (28) is facing charges for the premeditated murder of her boyfriend and police officer Happy Thwala (45) during the night of 2 August 2022 in Gedlembane in Pienaar, Mpumalanga.

PRE-MEDITATED MURDER 

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, said that Mkhonto pleaded guilty to pre-meditated murder charges. In court, Mkhonto said she killed Thwala because he was too rough during intercourse earlier that evening. On the night of the incident, it is alleged that Mkhonto and Thwala had an argument after she received a call from her ex-boyfriend. "It is alleged that Thwala became angry, broke down and cried while threatening to shoot and kill Mkhonto. She managed to calm him down and he gave her the gun and they went on to have intercourse," Nyuswa said, adding that Mkhonto alleged that Thwala was rough on her which infuriated her. She then took out a gun and shot him five times in his sleep.

CHARGED WITH MURDER

The matter was investigated by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Nelspruit. During the investigation, Mkhonto was linked to the murder and was arrested and charged on 10 August 2022. She previously appeared at Kanyamazane Magistrates Court on the same day and was remanded in custody. The accused received the services of Legal Aid and battled in court on several occasions to obtain bail. She was denied bail and remained in custody since. The case was postponed to Monday, 27 November 2023 for a pre-sentence report at the High Court. The accused remains in custody.