South African Woman Killed in UK: Zimbabwean Man Pleads Guilty

Zimbabwean Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering South African Woman in UK, Awaits Sentencing

A Zimbabwean man has admitted to the brutal murder of a 28-year-old South African woman in Gloucester, UK, earlier this year.

Tanaka Zivanai, 32, from Dora Walk, Tredworth, pleaded guilty to the murder of Zanele Sibanda and the possession of a bladed article.

He appeared via video link at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday, 27 November.

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Murder in the Early Hours

Police were called to the junction of Paul Street and Tarrington Road in Tredworth at around 1:45 am on Tuesday, 27 August, following reports of an attack.

“Officers arrived to find a woman who had been stabbed multiple times,” the police statement read. “Despite the efforts of emergency services, Zanele Sibanda was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Zivanai was arrested the next day and charged with murder following an investigation by the Major Crime Investigation Team.

A statement from the Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed the details:

“The accused, Tanaka Zivanai, was apprehended and charged with murder on 28 August. He remains in custody.”

Awaiting Sentencing

Zivanai has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on 14 January 2025.

The exact details of what led to the attack are yet to be revealed.

Fundraising for Repatriation

Following the murder, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise £12,000 for Zanele’s body to be repatriated to South Africa.

Difa Dube, the campaign organiser, made an emotional appeal:

“As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we are faced with the heart-wrenching task of repatriating Zanele’s body to South Africa, where her family and loved ones are awaiting her return.”

“The cost of repatriation and funeral arrangements is significant, and we are reaching out to our community for support,” Dube continued. “We kindly ask for any contributions, no matter how small, to help us in this difficult time.”

At the time of writing, the campaign had raised £9,810 of its £12,000 goal.

“Your generosity will not only help us cover the costs but will also offer a semblance of comfort to her grieving family,” Dube concluded.

Zanele’s tragic death has left her family and community in mourning, with many expressing shock at the senseless violence.