Blue Bulls respond after development player allegedly murders TUT girlfriend

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union released a statement on Friday saying they were alerted of allegations of a murder case involving a player who represented their Country Districts team last season.

News24 understands that the chemical engineering student is alleged to have stabbed his girlfriend, Ntokozo Mayenzi Xaba, to death at a Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) residence on Wednesday night.

The alleged perpetrator, whose name is known to News24 but cannot be named as he was yet to appear in court.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello confirmed to News24 that the suspect was in custody and being questioned by police.

"It is reported that on 1 February 2023, the victim was drinking with friends, including her ex-boyfriend at a house in Pretoria Gardens," the police statement read.

"The friends reportedly left leaving the two together. The following morning, the victim was found dead with stab wounds on the neck. The ex-boyfriend has since been taken in for questioning by the police. Investigations continues."

The Bulls also commented. 

"Whilst we do not know all the details pertaining to the incident, we wish to reiterate that the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, its affiliates, partners and members, continue to stand in one voice, condemning all forms of gender-based violence in the strongest of terms," part of the Blue Bulls statement read.

News24 spoke to a former TUT rugby coach as well as an administrator involved with the university’s rugby programme on condition of anonymity, who informed the publication about the alleged perpetrator, a promising scrumhalf that played for their first team.

One of the sources gave details of the alleged incident.

"Yes, he’s one of our boys who killed his girlfriend," the informant told New24.