The case against restaurant manager, Mfanafuthi Kunene, who is accused of murdering 23-year-old former employee, Ayabonga Mjilo, has been postponed to 26 February 2025.
Kunene appeared before the Durban Magistrate’s Court for the first time on Monday.
The accused allegedly strangled Mjilo and buried her in a shallow grave in his yard in Inanda, Durban.
According to reports, Mjilo was last seen leaving a restaurant in Umhlanga in the early hours of Christmas morning with a male companion. After she failed to return home, a case of kidnapping was opened.
Kunene is facing charges of kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for swiftly arresting the suspect.
“Through meticulous police investigations, the suspect, identified as Mjilo’s manager, was apprehended.
“Evidence revealed that Mjilo had been taken to the suspect’s home in Amaotana, Inanda, where her lifeless body was discovered during the investigation.”
Ntuli expressed his heartfelt condolences to Mjilo’s family and friends during this tragic time.
“On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ayabonga Mjilo.
“Losing a young woman in such a brutal manner is a devastating tragedy. We stand in solidarity with the family as they mourn this heartbreaking loss, and we will continue to support them as they seek justice for Ayabonga.”
The Premier also emphasised the need for justice to prevail, as the ongoing scourge of violence against women and children continues to rear its ugly head in the province.
“The brutal killing of Ayabonga Mjilo is a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead in our mission to end gender-based violence (GBV).
“I commend the SAPS for their tireless efforts and urge the judiciary to impose the harshest possible punishment for such heinous crimes. KwaZulu-Natal has no place for individuals who commit these atrocities.”
The Premier called on communities, traditional authorities, izinduna (headmen), and amabutho (Zulu regiments) to partner with government in addressing the senseless killing of women and children in the province.
”Violence against women is an affront to our values of Ubuntu and humanity. This scourge demands collective action. I call on our community leaders, traditional authorities, and every citizen to unite in rejecting these barbaric acts.”
Ntuli stressed the critical role of traditional leadership and community structures in fostering a culture of respect, safety and protection for women and children.
He also highlighted the need for collaboration between government, civil society, and communities to create sustainable solutions and ensure perpetrators face justice.
”We must stand as one, with a united voice, to condemn these acts of violence and reaffirm our commitment to building safe, inclusive communities. This fight is not just for the government; it is for every one of us.”
The Premier urged the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to unfold while reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of GBV. – SAnews.gov.za
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