Family and community members gathered at court in support of Ntombi Ntsondwa’s family, as Mnikelo Khese appeared briefly in connection with her murder.

The family of the murdered Mbekweni woman, Ntombi Ntsondwa, says they are struggling to cope as the case against the man accused of killing her continues to move through the courts with postponements and bail proceedings.

Ntsondwa, affectionately known as Asaphiwe by her family, was found dead at her boyfriend's home in Dumisani Street, Drommedaris, Mbekweni, in April.

Her boyfriend, Mnikelo Khese, who is also the father of her child, appeared briefly in the Paarl magistrate's Court again on Thursday, May 28.

Family members described the court appearance as short yet painful, as they once again faced the man accused of taking their daughter's life.