JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg has reserved judgment in the trial of murder accused Bafana Mahungela (23), whose matter stemmed from the death of young Sandton teacher Kirsten Kluyts. She was murdered in Sandton on 29 October 2023.

Magaboke Mohlatlole, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa in the Gauteng division, Johannesburg, confirmed in a statement that the court postponed the matter to 11 September for the final judgment to be handed down, after delivering partial judgment yesterday.

“Mahungela has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Both the State and the defence have closed their cases, and the matter has now reached its final stage following the presentation of all evidence and legal arguments before the court,” said Mohlatlole.

He said the NPA has noted the court’s decision and respects the judicial process.

“The NPA remains confident in the evidence presented before the court and will continue to uphold the interests of justice in the pursuit of accountability,” said Mohlatlole.

Charges

Mahungela, a former Varsity College student, is facing charges including kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder and attempted rape of the deceased. Evidence presented in court revealed that Mahungela attacked Kluyts while she was participating in a MyRun event at George Lea Park in Parkmore, Sandton. Kluyts was 34 and 14 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.

Police traced and arrested Mahungela using CCTV footage that tracked his movements from the crime scene back to his residence. The footage showed Mahungela entering the park wearing a black T-shirt and trousers. He was later seen leaving the area wearing a blue T-shirt identified as the one Kluyts had been wearing earlier that morning.

The footage led investigators to the Varsity College student residence in Benmore where Mahungela was arrested on 26 November 2023. Mahungela has been remanded in custody after his bail application in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court was denied, and his subsequent bail appeal in the High Court was also rejected.