A tragic incident in Mayville, Durban, has left a community in shock after a 36-year-old man, Talent Ngcobo, was allegedly stabbed to death by his girlfriend following a heated argument over money. The incident, which reportedly took place on Saturday, 14 December, has once again highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic violence.
According to friends, Ngcobo had spent part of the day socialising with them before returning home to the shack he shared with his girlfriend. Not long after he left their company, neighbours began hearing loud arguments and screams coming from the couple’s home. Concerned residents and friends rushed to the scene, only to discover Ngcobo lying inside the shack, bleeding heavily from multiple stab wounds.
One of his friends, Sthembiso Chiliza, said they were shocked by what they found. “We suddenly heard noise from his place shortly after he left us. When we got there, he was lying in a pool of blood,” Chiliza explained. He added that although he was unsure what sparked the fight, he believed the argument was related to money Ngcobo had earned from casual jobs earlier that day.
Ngcobo was not formally employed and relied on piece jobs to make ends meet. Friends said he sometimes carried cash with him, which may have triggered the confrontation. Chiliza claimed that the girlfriend became angry after finding Ngcobo drinking with friends instead of giving her the money. Neighbours reportedly confirmed that a loud argument had taken place shortly before the fatal attack.
Another friend, Themba Mtolo, described the violence as extreme, stating that Ngcobo was stabbed around nine times, allegedly with a pair of scissors. “Only someone who is very angry could do something like this,” Mtolo said. “We are deeply hurt by the loss of our friend. What happened to him was brutal and unnecessary.”
Following the incident, it is alleged that the suspect handed herself over to police. Police in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed that a 28-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the killing. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers from Cato Manor Police Station responded to the scene and opened a case of murder. The suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
Residents of Mayville have expressed sadness and anger over the incident, describing Ngcobo as a friendly and well-known member of the community. Many have called for justice while also urging authorities and community leaders to strengthen efforts to address domestic disputes before they turn deadly.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the alarming levels of intimate partner violence in South Africa. Community members are calling for increased awareness, conflict-resolution support, and access to counselling services to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As investigations continue, Ngcobo’s family and friends are left mourning a life lost in a moment of violence, hoping that justice will be served and that others may learn from this heartbreaking incident.
