The man accused of killing 25-year-old Ayabonga Mjilo is due for his first appearance at the Durban Msgistrate’s Court, on Monday.
What we know about the man accused of killing Ayabonga Mjilo
The suspect, a 37-year-old manager at a popular restaurant in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal stands accused of luring Mjilo to his home in Amaotana, Inanda, on Christmas Day, shortly after she finished her shift.
Police investigations suggest that an altercation took place at the suspect’s home, during which he allegedly strangled Mjilo to death.
Following the murder, he is said to have buried her body in his yard, an act that formed part of a broader attempt to conceal the crime.
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The suspect was arrested on Saturday, 4 January 2025, and now faces charges of kidnapping, murder, and defeating the ends of justice.
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli, who is expected to attend Monday’s court proceedings, praised the swift action of law enforcement in apprehending the suspect.
“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,” he said in a statement folliowing the arrest.
The suspect’s initial appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court is expected to follow the usual formality: the magistrate will likely confirm the suspect’s identity, read the charges, and decide on the scheduling of a bail hearing or subsequent court dates.
Given the seriousness of the charges, bail is likely to be a contentious issue.
This case casts a dark spotlight on the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in South Africa.
It mirrors the tragic story of Nontobeko Cele, another young woman whose life was cut short in KZN in December 2024.
Cele’s murder, allegedly at the hands of her partner Sibusiso Lawrence Ntaka, raises serious questions about the systemic challenges in addressing intimate partner violence.
