Friends of a “vibrant” 28-year-old woman who was stabbed to death hope to raise enough money to pay for the repatriation of her body back to South Africa.
Zanele Sibanda, a care worker, was stabbed to death in the early hours of 27 August. Tanaka Zivania, 32, of Dora Walk in Gloucester, has been charged with her murder.
Gloucesteshire police were called to the junction of Paul Street and Tarrington Road in Tredworth, Gloucester, at about 1.45 am on 27 August.
Writing on an online platform, fundraisers thanked all supporters for their “kindness, support, and prayers during this devastating time”.
Friends of the 28-year-old paid tribute to her earlier this month at a vigil in Tredworth. Sendy Chikanya, a friend, told the BBC that she still sits and waits for her to call.
Chikanya said the 28-year-old “always had a smile on her face” and that the pair had spent time together hours before her death.
“I met Zanele when we got to work together in the past year,” she said. “We just became friends, she was very outspoken and she always had a smile on her face.
“She would call me every single time to ask me ‘Are you OK?’, and that’s how we used to cope with work.”
She added: “She was always there to support, always there whenever I needed someone to talk to. I just sit and wait for her call.”
Those who took part in the vigil lit candles at the care worker’s home before walking a short distance to lay flowers where she died.
