The Kirsten Kluyts murder trial begins this week in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, nearly a year after the pregnant Sandton teacher’s body was found dumped in a public park. The accused, Bafana Mahungela, a 22-year-old student, faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted rape, kidnapping, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Who Was Kirsten Kluyts?
Kirsten Kluyts, a teacher at Delta Park High School in Johannesburg, was known for her dedication to inclusive education and athletics. She was pregnant at the time of her death on 29 October 2023.
On the day of the incident, Kluyts was participating in a local race at George Lea Park in Sandton when she was attacked and killed. Her death shocked the country, sparking debates on gender-based violence and safety in public spaces.
Read more about the tragic domestic incident in Thembisa News: 34-Year-Old Woman Fatally Stabbed by Partner in Front of 4-Year-Old Son.
Kirsten Kluyts Murder Trial Begins After Delays
Although the trial was initially scheduled for Monday, 13 October 2025, it was postponed due to the presiding judge’s unavailability. The case resumed on Wednesday, 15 October.
Defence attorney Mothokozi Ngcowane confirmed the postponement outside court:
“We were ready to proceed, but the matter has been postponed to Wednesday, October 15, for trial.”
The Charges Against Bafana Mahungela
Mahungela, arrested in November 2023 at a student residence in Parkmore, faces the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted rape
- Kidnapping
- Robbery with aggravating circumstances
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that the State is ready to proceed, led by Advocates Siyabonga Futshana and Leisha Surendra.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to withdraw the charges,” the NPA said.
What the State Says Happened
According to the State:
- Kluyts was killed within eight minutes of arriving at the park.
- CCTV footage shows Mahungela entering the park in black clothing at around 07:35.
- He was later seen leaving at 08:49, wearing a blue T-shirt allegedly belonging to Kluyts.
- Kluyts’s clothes were recovered from a nearby drain.
Post-mortem results revealed blunt-force trauma and strangulation as the cause of death.
“The absence of external injuries does not exclude rape,” said Magistrate Syta Prinsloo during earlier bail hearings.
Read more: Five Suspects Caught with SAPS Uniform in Daveyton – Authorities investigate possible links to police impersonation and criminal activity.
Defence Response and Controversy
Mahungela denies the murder but admits to undressing Kluyts, saying he was “trying to help” her and wanted to remove fingerprints. His legal team previously argued that the State lacks direct evidence linking him to the killing.
However, during bail hearings, the court noted:
“The applicant took deliberate measures to avoid incrimination.”
Public Outcry and National Impact
The Kirsten Kluyts murder has reignited calls for improved public safety measures, especially for women in recreational spaces. Civil society groups have condemned the violence and called for faster judicial processes in femicide cases.
“Kirsten’s murder is another grim reminder of the danger women face in public,” said a spokesperson for Women For Justice SA.
What Happens Next in the Trial?
As the Kirsten Kluyts murder trial begins, both the prosecution and defence are expected to call multiple witnesses, including forensic experts and investigators. The DNA results, surveillance footage, and Mahungela’s own statements will be critical to the outcome.
Discover the full story here: Suspected Illegal Miner Busted with Two AK-47s in Magaliesburg – a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining.
The trial is expected to continue over several weeks. Gauteng News will provide ongoing coverage of court proceedings
