PAARL – The murder trial of two cousins in connection with slain Mbekweni student Asiphe Cetywayo, whose charred body was discovered in an open field near Bo Dal Road in Paarl in March last year, has been scheduled for 28-29 September 2026 in the Paarl Regional Court.
During a brief appearance on Monday 8 December the state informed the court its investigation had been finalised.
The prosecutor indicated the state planned to call at least 12 witnesses, including a forensic pathologist and DNA analyst, to testify during the trial.
The two accused, Mlungizi Manzi (28) and Luzuko Manzi (36), both stand accused of kidnapping, rape and murder.
READ: Murdered student touches raw nerve
It is understood Luzuko, the main suspect, was last seen with Cetywayo before her disappearance. She was reportedly seen with him in his car on the evening of Saturday 2 March 2024 at a tavern near her home in Mbekweni.
Two days later, on Monday 4 March, Cetywayo’s body was discovered in an open field near Bo Dal Road in the Vlakkeland area. At the time police said she had burn wounds on the upper body, blood around the nose and a swollen face, pointing to a violent attack.
Shortly after her body was found police seized the vehicle believed to have been used by Luzuko. After being traced and captured he allegedly escaped from police custody, but was later arrested in Langa, reportedly hiding at a relative’s house.
Mlungizi was also arrested in connection with the murder. The family later confirmed the two were cousins.
At the time of her death Cetywayo was 22-year-old final-year Education student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
Last year Mlungizi was released on bail while Luzuko abandoned his bail bid. His lawyer on Monday indicated he was likely to bring a new bail application in March next year.
Mlungizi’s lawyer told the court her client intended to plead not guilty. She said at least one of Mlungizi’s friends would support his alibi that he was not with Luzuko at the time of the crime.
The state, however, believed it had a strong case against both accused.
