Entle Manzi Stabbed to Death by Ex-Boyfriend Days Before Her 25th Birthday
A young woman’s life was tragically cut short in what has become yet another devastating case of gender-based violence in South Africa. Entle Manzi, just 25 years old, was allegedly stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend in the early hours of Monday, 30 March, in Parow Valley, Cape Town — just days before what would have been her birthday.
According to reports, Entle had visited her ex-boyfriend, Mihlali Tuoane, at his home when the fatal attack took place. The incident occurred at approximately 12:25am, shocking the quiet neighbourhood in the early morning hours. Neighbours reportedly heard desperate screams piercing through the night as the young woman was brutally attacked inside the property.
The scene was one of horror, and by the time help could reach her, it was already too late. Entle Manzi lost her life in what investigators are treating as a case of alleged murder. Her death has sent waves of grief and outrage through her community and across social media platforms in South Africa.
Suspect Appears in Court Claiming Self-Defence After Alleged Stabbing of Entle Manzi
Mihlali Tuoane was arrested the following day and subsequently appeared before the Bellville Magistrate’s Court to face charges related to the death of his former girlfriend. In a move that has angered many, the suspect reportedly claimed self-defence in court and allegedly displayed injuries to support his argument.
The claim has been met with widespread disbelief and condemnation from those who knew Entle and from members of the public following the case closely. Many are questioning how a visit between two people could result in a young woman losing her life, with her ex-boyfriend walking away claiming he acted in defence.
The case is expected to proceed through the justice system, and many South Africans are calling for accountability and swift justice for the slain young woman. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and the court will ultimately determine the truth behind the conflicting accounts.
What makes this tragedy even more heartbreaking is the cruel timing. Friday, 3 April, was supposed to be Entle’s 25th birthday — a milestone she never got to celebrate. Instead of birthday wishes and laughter, her family was surrounded by grief, tears, and the unbearable reality of planning a funeral for their daughter.
Her father broke down in court, visibly inconsolable, stating that he would never be the same again. His words were a painful reminder that behind every statistic of gender-based violence, there is a real family — a father, a mother, siblings — whose lives are shattered beyond repair.
The loss of Entle Manzi is not just a family tragedy. It is a national crisis playing out once again in a country that continues to grapple with alarmingly high rates of femicide and violence against women. Young women deserve to feel safe — not just in public spaces, but especially around those they once trusted with their hearts.
South Africa mourns another daughter taken far too soon. Rest in power, Entle Manzi 🕊️. May your family find strength during this unbearable time, and may justice be served in your name. No young woman should ever be reduced to a memorial before her 25th birthday.