The tragic case of 21-year-old Ayabonga Mjilo, who was allegedly murdered by her manager, has sent shockwaves through KwaZulu-Natal and the nation. The accused, 37-year-old Mfanafuthi Kunene, appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday and will remain in custody pending his next court appearance in February.
The Accusations
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that Kunene faces charges of kidnapping, murder, and defeating the ends of justice.
Mjilo was last seen in the early hours of Christmas Day, leaving a restaurant in Umhlanga with a male companion. When she failed to return home, her family reported her missing, leading to the opening of a kidnapping case.
Investigations quickly uncovered disturbing details.
“During the investigations, it was discovered that the man, who was her manager at work, took her to his home in the Amaotana area of Inanda,” said Netshiunda. “The two reportedly had an altercation, during which the man allegedly strangled her to death and buried her body in his yard.”
Court Proceedings
Kunene made his first court appearance on Monday and is expected back in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on February 26. His case has drawn widespread attention, with calls for justice from both the public and government officials.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli attended the proceedings, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
“It is sad to see the perpetrator who allegedly did what he has done. In KZN, we are faced with the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV), and we are attending different funerals to let society know that this is a big problem, and everyone must do something about it,” Ntuli said.
A Community in Mourning
The brutal murder of Mjilo has highlighted the ongoing crisis of GBV in South Africa. Mjilo’s family, friends, and community are left grappling with the devastating loss of a young woman whose life was cut short in a heinous act of violence.
Premier Ntuli emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the family through this difficult time.
“We will support the family throughout, even with the funeral service. As government, we need to do something about this scourge,” he stated.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence
Mjilo’s murder is the latest in a series of gender-based violence cases that have plagued South Africa, sparking renewed calls for action. Premier Ntuli’s presence in court was not only a gesture of solidarity with the victim’s family but also a message to the public about the urgent need for systemic change.
Ntuli stated that the government is committed to understanding the circumstances surrounding crimes like these and finding effective ways to combat GBV.
A Nation Demands Justice
As Kunene awaits his next court appearance, public outrage continues to grow. Social media has been flooded with messages of condolence for Mjilo’s family and calls for harsher penalties for perpetrators of gender-based violence.
The case has also reignited discussions about the responsibilities of employers, communities, and law enforcement in preventing violence against women.
Moving Forward
The tragedy of Ayabonga Mjilo’s death is a painful reminder of the pervasive nature of GBV in South Africa. While the judicial process moves forward, the government and civil society are being urged to intensify efforts to address the root causes of such violence and ensure that victims receive justice.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli’s statements reflect a growing acknowledgment among leaders that GBV is not just a women’s issue but a societal crisis requiring immediate and comprehensive action.
As Mjilo’s family prepares to lay her to rest, the nation mourns yet another life lost to gender-based violence, hoping that her tragic story will catalyze meaningful change.
In other news – Actress Sonia Mbele silent on her son Donell’s alleged GBV allegations
South African actress Sonia Mbele has reportedly remained silent in the wake of fresh allegations of gender-based violence (GBV) against her son, Donell Mbele. This time, Donell faces accusations of sexually assaulting his current girlfriend, Tamia Carvalho, an incident that occurred last month.
The allegations emerge just a year after similar accusations were made by his ex-girlfriend, Reokeditswe Makete. Tamia Carvalho, who resides in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), took to Instagram to share her story, alleging that Donell assaulted her on December 14 and 15, 2024. Read More