• Furious residents caught the murder suspect, beat him and handed him over to the police after the attack.

• The 22-year-old woman was allegedly ambushed while she was preparing to end her shift at the store.

Murder accused Anele Kula made a short appearance at the Protea Magistrate’s Court after he allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death at her workplace.

The 26-year-old man is accused of killing 22-year-old Snenhlanhla Mathosi on Sunday evening while she was still wearing her work uniform.

Sources say Kula bought a knife from a nearby grocery shop before ambushing her. Snenhlanhla worked at a retail store and was allegedly attacked while staff were getting ready to knock off.

On Monday, residents gathered at the scene, furious about what had happened.

Community members chased down the suspect and allegedly beat him before local leaders stepped in and handed him over to police.

According to people close to her family, Snenhlanhla had ended the relationship, but Kula allegedly could not accept it.

On Tuesday, Kula appeared in court where he was charged with murder and premeditated murder. He abandoned his bail application for his own safety.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Tshetlhane said the suspect allegedly arrived at the store around 8pm and stabbed Snenhlanhla while she was on duty.

“The deceased sustained several stab wounds to the upper body and was declared dead at the scene. The suspect was also arrested at the scene,” said Tshetlhane.

After the killing, the store closed and held a prayer session in her memory. People from nearby shops and members of the community joined the prayer.

The case has been postponed to 30 June 2025 for further investigation.

Pictured above: Anele Kula.

Image source: Palesa Matlala