Tania and Mxolisi Zungu
Lwanda Mxolisi Zungu, a military-trained officer, made a brief appearance in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court in Durban on Monday, facing charges of murdering his wife, Tania Msane Zungu, 36.
Despite the serious allegations against him, his family described him a protector.
Officer Zungu will remain in custody until Wednesday January 17 for further investigation and address verification for potential bail.
On Wednesday January 3 Ms Zungu was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds to her neck and head at their Pinetown home. Officer Zungu turned himself in to law enforcement over the weekend following the murder, and it is alleged that he left the scene before paramedics and the police arrived.
ALS paramedics responded to the shooting incident on Tyrone Road in Padfield Park, Pinetown, after receiving reports around 10.15 am on Wednesday. Ms Zungu was declared deceased at the scene.
During his court appearance, Zungu appeared confident and calm, with his family present for support. No members from Tania's side of the family attended the hearing.
Lwandle Zungu, his sister, expressed the family's difficulty during this period, acknowledging the severity of violence against women.
She said the children, aged 13 and 15, were grieving the loss of their mother and father (as a result of the legal process) and were currently staying with their mother’s relative.
Ms Zungu was laid to rest on Sunday.