'Blood wiped off,' Court hears
"The deceased was found in a pool of blood on the bed. The bed was in order, but the place appeared cleaned up. There were visible blood stains left behind on the lounge and bedroom floors," said investigating officer Constable Oupa Khubeka.
The incident happened at 5.30am on June 29.
The murder accused, Donald Sebolai, called Tshabalala's best friend, Nonhlanhla Mkhize that morning and told her he had killed Tshabalala, said Khubeka.
"Mkhize went to the Jabulani police station and informed the police who accompanied her to the flat. The doors and windows were closed.
Police asked a caretaker to use the spare key and open the door to the flat." Paramedics certified her dead at the scene.
A neighbour told police that Tshabalala was seen around 10am loading what looked like clothes into his girlfriend's car, he said. Sebolai did not own a vehicle.
"The vehicle was found dumped on the same day in an open veld in Central Western Jabavu. Police found a bloodstained steak knife in the car and many clothes loaded in the back seat, including his shoes."
Tshabalala's pyjama pants, her gown and a towel, all blood soaked, were found in the vehicle.
The clothing and the towel were taken for DNA analysis, Khubeka said.
Tshabalala kept wiping his face and shaking his head in the dock as he listened to proceedings.
He wore a green sweater and blue hand gloves.
(File photo Gallo Images)
