The family of 25-year-old Nontobeko Cele, whose life was tragically cut short in Umzinto, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday evening, has revealed shocking details about the history of violence leading up to her death.
Sibusiso Lawrence tried to kill Nontobeko Cele before?
Her alleged murderer and partner, Sibusiso Lawrence Ntaka, who was found dead by suicide the following day, reportedly made a previous attempt on Cele’s life earlier this year.
A relative, speaking on condition of anonymity to Newzoom Afrika, recounted an incident in May 2024 where Ntaka allegedly rammed his car into Cele and another individual, named Xolile, during a heated altercation.
The family initially feared she had died in the attack, but Cele miraculously survived.
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The same family member accused Ntaka of manipulating them into believing he was a good man while hiding his abusive tendencies.
“All this time, we thought he was a good person, but he had been abusive,” the relative said.
Close friends of Cele painted a disturbing picture of Ntaka’s possessive and violent behaviour.
One friend recalled instances where Ntaka stalked Cele, showing up unannounced if she failed to answer his calls, even travelling from Stanger to Umlazi to check on her whereabouts.
“He was obsessed. He would monitor her every move and even threaten her with a knife in 2023, telling her that if he killed her, no one would catch him,” the friend shared.
KwaZulu-Natal police responded to reports of a woman’s body lying in the middle of a gravel road in Malangeni, Umzinto, on Tuesday night.
According to an official statement, Cele’s bloodied body bore multiple stab wounds, and a broken knife was found at the scene.
Investigators believe the attack occurred inside Ntaka’s vehicle, which was later found abandoned nearby, its front passenger seat stained with blood.
Police launched a manhunt for Ntaka, but his body was discovered hanging from a tree on Wednesday morning in what authorities suspect was a suicide.
KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner’s office confirmed the incident, stating:
“A man who had confessed to killing a woman on a social media video that went viral was found hanging on a tree on Wednesday morning, a short distance from where he killed the woman.”
Authorities continue to investigate both the murder and the circumstances leading to Ntaka’s death. Meanwhile, Cele’s family and friends are left grappling with a profound loss that they fear could have been prevented.
PLEASE NOTE: If you or someone you know needs help or someone to talk to, please reach out to one of the following helplines. The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) offers a 24/7 toll-free helpline at 0800 428 428 and an SMS option by dialling *120*7867#. The National Crisis Helpline (Lifeline South Africa) provides counselling and support at 0861 322 322. In cases of immediate danger, you can contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) by calling 10111. For children experiencing or witnessing abuse, Childline South Africa is available toll-free at 0800 055 555. Survivors of sexual abuse and gender-based violence can also contact the Tears Foundation by calling 010 590 5920 or sending an SMS with the word “HELP” to 35858. Remember, you are not alone, and support is always available to help you through difficult times.
