Durban, South Africa – A KwaZulu-Natal school principal has been arrested in connection with the shocking 2022 death of Khanyisile Dhlomo, a woman whose brutal injuries were initially dismissed as self-inflicted.

The suspect, who served as principal at a primary school in Lindelani, north of Durban, was taken into custody in the early hours of this morning while hiding in Illovo. Police confirmed the arrest but declined to give further details, citing the sensitivity of the case.

Also Read | ZamaNguni Gumede Was in the Mortuary a Day After She Went Missing, Family Discovers

Dhlomo’s death, which occurred in September 2022, sent shockwaves through the Malvern community when her lifeless body was discovered on the front lawn of her home. She had sustained multiple stab wounds and a deep cut to her throat. Despite the gruesome scene, the case was initially treated as a suicide.

“From the beginning, it didn’t make sense,” said one family member. “She had stab wounds — how does someone stab themselves repeatedly and then cut their own throat? We knew something wasn’t right.”

At the time, Khanyisile was living with her husband and teenage son. Although those close to her immediately questioned the circumstances of her death, authorities made no arrests. The family says they were stonewalled at every turn.

Poster with funeral service details for Khanyisile Dhlomo, the woman whose 2022 death is now being investigated as a murder — public image of Khanyisile Dhlomo is this funeral service flyer. She was found dead in 2022, and for two years, her death was wrongly ruled a suicide. Now a principal has been arrested for her murder.

Also Read | Fresh Leads in Joshlin Smith Case Spark New Police Search in Saldanha Bay

Eventually, they escalated the matter, approaching senior police officials and external investigative bodies. Their persistence paid off. The case was reassigned to a special task team within the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS, and it didn’t take long before the team uncovered evidence that pointed to foul play.

Sources close to the investigation say that new forensic analysis and witness accounts contradicted earlier conclusions. What was once labelled as a suicide began to look more like a carefully disguised murder.

Police believe the principal — a man with close ties to a prominent political family — may have had a motive rooted in personal or financial conflict. While authorities have yet to officially confirm this link, community members are already speculating about long-standing tensions within the extended family.

The Principal had reportedly gone underground shortly after the renewed investigation began. After months of evading authorities, he was finally tracked down to a hiding place in Illovo.

“This arrest should have happened two years ago,” said another relative. “But we are grateful it’s finally happening. Khanyisile’s soul can begin to rest.”

At this stage, the principal is expected to appear in court within the next 48 hours. The Dhlomo family has asked for privacy as they prepare for a new chapter in their long pursuit of justice.

The case has reignited debate around how police handle suspected suicides involving women, especially when there are clear signs of violence. Women’s rights organisations are calling for better training for first responders and more accountability from local stations.

More details are expected to emerge as the case unfolds.

Help Find | KZN Woman Noluthando Mdluli Missing in Bloemfontein After Taxi Rank Arrival