GAUTENG. – Bafana Mahungela (23) has been found guilty of the murder of Sandton teacher Kirsten Kluyts, who was killed in October 2023 while jogging in George Lea Park in Sandton.
Magaboke Mohlatlole, NPA spokesperson, says Mahungela was found guilty by the Johannesburg High Court of murder, kidnapping, attempted rape and defeating the ends of justice. Prosecutors Siyabonga Futshana and Leisha Surendra led the prosecution and, according to the NPA, presented comprehensive evidence, including evidence of Mahungela's movements on the day of the incident, as well as forensic and other corroborating evidence.
The state also called various expert witnesses. The court found that although the case relied largely on circumstantial evidence, the evidence as a whole proved Mahungela's guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The court also found that video material presented by the state was properly verified and therefore admissible. A facial comparison expert identified Mahungela as the person appearing in the video material.
The NPA commended the prosecution team for its thorough preparation and presentation of the state's case. Sentencing proceedings will take place on 27 October 2026.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
