A community wide search ensued upon the discovery of the Ntsondwa's body in the house of the accused, leading to his eventual arrest in Aberdeen.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
A family in Drommedaris, Mbekweni in Paarl is struggling to come to terms with the death of their 26-year-old daughter Ntombi Ntsondwa, who was found murdered in her boyfriend’s home.
Speaking to reporters in their home, relatives described the loss as sudden and difficult to process, still trying to make sense of how someone they had seen just days earlier was now gone.
Ntsondwa was found lying on her back, on a large pillow and blanket, undressed, with her arms twisted. Her boyfriend was nowhere to be found at the time.
Community members who entered the home were confronted with the scene.
"When we walked in, I saw her immediately that she had passed. I saw the blood, I saw the wound above her eyebrow, and her arms were blue and grey," said a neighbour.
The police confirmed that Ntombi Ntsondwa was found lying on her back at the suspects’ home in Dumisani Street, Drommedaris, Mbekweni on Monday 13 April 2026 at around 12:30.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
She said residents immediately began searching for him.
"We tried calling him over and over again and his phone was off. That’s when we decided to go to the police in search of the accused."
The search soon stretched beyond the community.
"They searched everywhere for him and eventually we noticed that one of his cars were missing and wondered where it could be. At some point the tracker indicated that the car was in De Doorns and then later it was found in Aberdeen where he was arrested."
For the family, the shock is deepened by the recent history of the relationship.
A family member told reporters that Ntsondwa had been staying with the accused before returning home when the couple began experiencing challenges.
"In about four months, she then told me that she and him had fixed things and that he asked her to move back in with him."
Despite concerns, she said she allowed Ntsondwa to return.
"I last saw her on Saturday, only for me to be informed that she has passed less than two days later."
The family member said she received the news while at work and immediately went home.
She added that the accused was not a stranger to them.
Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala, confirmed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder.
Mbekweni police station in Paarl where the murder case of ntombi Ntsondwa was opened.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
According to Gwala, the deceased was found lying on her back at the suspect’s home in Dumisani Street, Drommedaris, Mbekweni on Monday with multiple stab wounds to her forehead and arms.
The motive for the attack remains under investigation.
The suspect is expected to make his first appearance in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court today.
Family members said Ntsondwa and the accused share a five-year-old child.
Cape Times