The person accused of abducting and murdering 23-year-old Ayabonga Mjilo has been named as 37-year-old Mfanafuthi Kunene. Following his court appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday, he has been ordered to remain in custody.
Reports indicate that Kunene, who formerly worked as a call centre manager in uMhlanga, will continue to be detained until his next hearing on February 26, as investigations are ongoing.
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Withdrawal of Bail Application by Defendant
Kunene appeared before Magistrate Sicelo Zuma in Court 11 showing visible injuries and was represented by Legal Aid attorney Ntando Cele. He expressed his decision to withdraw his bail application. State Prosecutor Desiree Boyang Mlondo requested additional time to finalize witness testimony and DNA analysis.
Kunene’s arrest followed the discovery of Mjilo’s body at his residence in Amaotana on Saturday. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal police, noted that the pair were seen leaving a uMhlanga restaurant together on Christmas Day. When Mjilo failed to return home, her family reported her missing at the Greenwood Park Police Station, initiating the inquiry.
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“A thorough investigation led to identifying the last individual seen with the missing woman,” Colonel Netshiunda explained. “It was determined that the accused, her former supervisor, took her to his home where an altercation unfolded, allegedly leading him to strangle her and bury her body in his yard.”
Devastation for the Family of Ayabonga Mjilo
The Mjilo family, who attended the court session alongside KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, expressed their profound grief over their heartbreaking loss. Mthi Mjilo spoke in court, highlighting their ongoing mourning, and recalled the tragic loss of seven family members in Highflats just a few months earlier.
“It is devastating that every time we gather as a family, it’s due to yet another tragic loss,” Mthi stated. “We seek justice for Ayabonga, yet we sometimes fear that it may not be served, as sufficient evidence is not always present in court.”
Nontobeko Mjilo, Ayabonga’s sister, expressed her appreciation to the police for their efforts, saying, “The officers from Greenwood Park SAPS worked tirelessly to find my sister. Even though we are heartbroken she was not found alive, we now hope for the legal system to ensure justice is served.”
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Urging Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The murder of Mjilo has reignited outrage surrounding gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in KwaZulu-Natal. Premier Ntuli condemned the violence and urged families and communities to collaborate in confronting this critical issue.
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“Gender-based violence has plagued our province, creating an unsafe atmosphere for both residents and visitors. It calls for a collective response from all citizens to denounce such inhumane actions,” Premier Ntuli emphasized.
Kunene faces charges of murder, kidnapping, and obstructing justice. As investigations unfold and the case garners widespread attention, all eyes are on the judicial system to ensure accountability in this tragic scenario.
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