Celani Sikhakhane brings you KwaZulu-Natal’s latest news bites.
Durban: A 25-year-old student from a rural area has become the youngest PhD graduate at this year’s University of KwaZulu-Natal autumn graduation. Dr Phumelele Basi finished her doctoral degree in Gender Education in just two years, and her final work was passed without any corrections. She grew up in Hlokozi on the KZN South Coast. Her research looks at the dating lives and relationships of female university students. By talking with students, she explored how culture, money, and university life affect their choices and safety. Dr Basi hopes her work will be used to make university campuses safer and fairer for women.
Hluhluwe: A man accused of kidnapping a businessman in Hluhluwe was killed in a shootout with police in Empangeni on Saturday night, 9 May 2026. The businessman was taken on 6 May, and the kidnappers demanded R200,000. After R90,000 was paid the next day, the businessman was let go, but the kidnappers still wanted the rest of the money. Police set up a trap to drop off the remaining cash on the N2 highway. When three men arrived in a bakkie to collect the money, a gunfight broke out. Police shot and killed one suspect. Another ran away into the bushes, and the third drove off. The bakkie was later found abandoned near Empangeni.
Pietermaritzburg: Two men have been sent to prison for murder. The Pietermaritzburg High Court gave Simphiwe Zuma a life sentence and gave Ayanda Mzwandile Nhlangulela 20 years in prison. The court gave Nhlangulela a shorter sentence because he did not plan the murder ahead of time. The two men killed 29-year-old Zama Mkhize near Edendale Road on 12 March 2022. Zuma and Mkhize were dating. On the day of the murder, they were driving in a car with Nhlangulela and another man when the couple started arguing. The two men attacked Mkhize, and Zuma used a rope he had with him to strangle her. The National Prosecuting Authority is pleased with the strong sentences.
Pictured above: 25-year-old rural student, Dr Phumelele Bazi graduates for her PHD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Image source: UKZN
