Sun. Feb 9th, 2025

Details emerged during a court hearing in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court regarding the tragic death of Sandton teacher Kirsten Kluyts. The post-mortem report disclosed that the 34-year-old teacher from Delta Park High died due to blunt force head trauma, strangulation, smothering, and pressure to the neck. The State asserted that these injuries were inflicted over an eight-minute period, ultimately ending her life.

The court proceedings on Wednesday involved 21-year-old Bafana Mahungela, who stands accused of premeditated murder, applying for bail. The State and the defense engaged in arguments throughout the day regarding Mahungela’s eligibility for bail.

Kluyts was found murdered at George Lea Recreational Park in Parkmore, Sandton, on October 29, after participating in an athletic event. Tragically, she was 14 weeks pregnant with a baby boy at the time of her vicious murder.

The State highlighted an eight-minute window during which it believes the attack occurred. State Prosecutor Ayanda Bakana presented affidavits from investigating officer Sergeant Aubrey Tshisani and private security officer Grant Moulder. Tshisani’s evidence contradicted Mahungela’s account of the timeline, indicating that he was at the scene by 7:35 am on the day of the murder, while Mahungela claimed to have arrived at 9 am. Additionally, a photo of Kluyts participating in the event at 8:05 am and the discovery of her cellphone at 8:15 am were presented as evidence.

Moulder’s evidence, relying on video footage, supported Tshisani’s account. The footage captured Mahungela leaving the area where the body was found at 8:49 am, wearing a different T-shirt than initially seen in the footage.

Mahungela admitted to undressing Kluyts, leaving her naked to eliminate fingerprints, and discarding her clothes. The court learned that Mahungela faces charges of premeditated murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and rape. However, a medical report showed no injuries in the genital area, anus, and vaginal canal, raising questions about the inclusion of the rape charge.

The case has been postponed to December 29.

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