Pretoria - She had never liked the man accused of murdering her friend, a Pretoria woman testified on Thursday.
Ganki Letoale told the High Court in Pretoria she had disliked Thato Kutumela, the boyfriend of slain Zanele Khumalo, 18.
Letoale lived in the same complex as Khumalo and her family.
Kutumela has denied raping, strangling, and robbing Khumalo at her home in Garsfontein on April 21, 2011.
In an explanation of his plea, he admitted to having consensual sex with her twice on the day of her death. Khumalo was five months pregnant with his baby at the time.
Letoale testified Khumalo had wanted to end her relationship with Kutumela, but that he had refused. Khumalo was a very vulnerable person and excited at having a baby, Letoale told the court.
The women had planned to go shopping for baby clothes on the afternoon of Khumalo's death. Letoale sent her text messages, but did not receive an answer, and decided not to go and visit her because she thought her pregnant friend needed rest.
Letoale had seen Kutumela at the complex that morning wearing a blue top and pants. She saw him again on her return. He was behind an electricity box changing into khaki pants and a black top. He was struggling to close a bag he had with him. She opened the gate for him so he could leave.
Another witness, Elvis Sithole, testified that he saw Kutumela wearing blue work clothes when he entered the complex, and a black jersey when he left.
Khumalo's mother Busi burst into tears while testifying about finding her daughter’s naked body on her return from work.
She and her husband found Zanele covered with a blanket on her bed. She at first thought her daughter was asleep, but was surprised to find her naked.
Although she had not suspected foul play at that stage, she realised something was wrong with her daughter’s genitals.
The trial continues. - Sapa