Missing UKZN Final-Year Student Found Buried in Suitcase at Boyfriend’s Home in South Africa

A 23-year-old University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) student, Simphiwe Zinhle Mchunu, who went missing last month, has been found dead, allegedly murdered and buried in a suitcase at her boyfriend’s rented home in Umlazi, south of Durban.

Mchunu, a final-year student pursuing a teaching degree, was reported missing after her family lost contact with her. Relatives travelled from Ladysmith to Umlazi to search for her and even combed through the yard of her residence—unaware that her body was allegedly buried beneath the ground they were standing on.

Police investigations later led to the gruesome discovery of her remains, reportedly stuffed into a suitcase and buried at the property.

Her boyfriend, Themba Xaba (22), initially told investigators that the couple had argued and that Simphiwe had left the house carrying a suitcase. However, suspicions grew after police recovered her mobile phones and bank card in Xaba’s possession, contradicting his version of events.

Xaba has since been taken into custody as investigations continue. Police are expected to charge him in connection with the murder as forensic and post-mortem examinations are completed.

The killing has sparked outrage and renewed calls across South Africa for stronger action against gender-based violence, particularly against young women.

Authorities say further details will be released as the investigation progresses.