South African actress and media personality **Sophie Ndaba** has been plunged into fresh grief after the brutal killing of her niece, **Cordelia Masalethulini**, in Zimbabwe. The devastating loss comes shortly after the family’s recent bereavement following the death of Ndaba’s sister — Cordelia’s mother.
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Cordelia Masalethulini, 45, was a respected television broadcaster, writer, and actress. On **January 4, 2026**, she was allegedly murdered during a violent altercation with her partner, **Fungai Quinton Tawengwa** (46), in **Harare, Zimbabwe**. Tawengwa, who is reportedly a prominent member of the ruling ZANU‑PF party, has been charged in connection with her death and appeared in the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
In a brief court session, Magistrate **Ruth Moyo** remanded Tawengwa in custody until **January 22**, advising that due to the severity of the charge — murder — he must apply for bail at the **High Court**. Prosecutors outlined the state’s case, noting that the alleged offence falls under serious criminal statutes.
According to reports from Zimbabwean media, the pair spent much of January 4 together at Helensvale Shopping Centre in Borrowdale, Harare, drinking beer and later seeking shelter from heavy rain at a property on **Whisper Road**. It was there that a disagreement is believed to have erupted between them. After the rain eased, the couple reportedly left on foot towards Harare‑Domboshava Road.
Tragically, the following morning — **January 5** — Cordelia’s half‑naked body was found lying in a pool of blood near house number 29 along Borrowdale‑Domboshava Road. Her body was subsequently transported to **Parirenyatwa Hospital Mortuary**, where a post‑mortem was expected to determine the exact cause of death.
The ordeal has left Sophie Ndaba deeply shaken. In comments to the press, she confirmed that Cordelia was her sister’s daughter and emphasized the crushing blow her family has suffered, compounded by the recent loss of her sister just two months earlier. Ndaba, who was born in Zimbabwe, said the family is still struggling to understand what happened and is awaiting official communication from authorities regarding the details of the case.
Recalling her last moments with Cordelia, Ndaba said she **last saw her niece in 2019**, when Masalethulini visited her in South Africa. They shared quality time together, and Ndaba cherished those memories, describing the loss as especially painful because Cordelia had not been ill and her life was cut short so violently and unexpectedly.
Ndaba also revealed her intention to travel to Zimbabwe once funeral arrangements are finalised, to pay her last respects to her niece. The family has yet to release a comprehensive media statement, pending a full report from the authorities.
As investigations continue and the case prepares to return to court, the tragic death of Cordelia Masalethulini has drawn attention to issues of domestic violence and gender‑based crime, with Zimbabwean law enforcement and media closely following developments.
