Sophie Ndaba Mourns Niece in Zimbabwe Murder Case

South African actress Sophie Ndaba is grieving teh tragic loss of her niece, Cordelia Masalethulini, who was allegedly murdered in Harare, Zimbabwe, earlier this month. The incident has deeply affected Ndaba, coming just two months after the passing of her sister.

Details of the Tragedy

Cordelia Masalethulini, a 45-year-old television broadcaster, writer, and actress, was reportedly killed by her boyfriend, Fungai Quinton Tawengwa, 46, on January 4th [1]. Tawengwa is identified as a prominent member of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party.

ndaba’s Statement

Confirming the loss, Ndaba stated that Masalethulini was her sister’s daughter. “Yes, I can confirm that she’s my niece. she was my sister’s daughter. My sister died two months ago, so you can imagine it’s not easy,” she said [1]. she expressed the family’s distress and their need for official information regarding the circumstances surrounding her niece’s death.

“Death is not easy.I don’t know what happened except what we’ve read in media reports in Zimbabwe. As a family, we’re still waiting for the authorities to officially inform us about what actually happened to her,” Ndaba added [1]. The family intends to release a comprehensive statement once they receive a full report from the authorities.

Last Meeting and Future Plans

Ndaba revealed she last saw her niece in 2019 when Masalethulini visited her in South Africa. She plans to travel to Zimbabwe to attend the funeral once arrangements are finalized [1].

Circumstances Surrounding the Death

According to reports, Masalethulini and Tawengwa spent January 4th together, initially at Helensvale Shopping Centre in Borrowdale, Harare. They sought shelter from heavy rain at a property on Whisper Road. A disagreement reportedly occurred after the rain stopped,with Masalethulini declining to accompany Tawengwa home [1].

Masalethulini’s body was discovered the following day [1].Tawengwa has been arrested and appeared before harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo, remanded in custody until January 22nd as the investigation continues.

Sophie Ndaba’s Background

Sophie Ndaba, who was born in Zimbabwe, has previously spoken about her challenging childhood experiences, including abuse she suffered while living with her sister and her family in Harare [2], [3]. She shared details of abuse by her sister’s husband during that time.