The ongoing bail hearing of 21-year-old Bafana Mahungela, accused of the murder and rape of Johannesburg teacher Kirsten Kluyts, is expected to reach a critical juncture with closing arguments at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
Bafana Mahungela bail hearing: Here are the latest updates
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Mahungela, a student, has been charged with the murder of 34-year-old Kluyts, whose body was found in October 2023 in a ditch at George Lea Park, Sandton.
Kluyts was participating in a MyRun event when she was viciously murdered. Reports suggest she was raped and strangled to death.
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The prosecution presented evidence during the hearing, including pictures taken at the crime scene. These images allegedly show Mahungela following Kluyts on the morning her body was discovered.
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Further incriminating evidence includes photos of Mahungela wearing clothing that belonged to Kluyts. In a statement to the court, Mahungela admitted to taking Kluyts’ clothing but denied any involvement in the murder.
“The only crime that I will agree to is that I did take the clothes and throw them away,” he stated.
In a dramatic twist, Mahungela’s advocate, Itumeleng Masako, informed the court that his client claimed to have been “brutally” beaten by the police.
Mahungela’s allegations of police brutality include being assaulted to the point where his right ear is not functioning properly. The police have yet to comment on these allegations, stating they cannot do so until a formal case is opened.
The case has garnered significant attention due to its disturbing nature and the allegations of stalking that preceded the murder. It is alleged that Mahungela stalked Kluyts before committing the crime.
The charges against him include rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and premeditated murder.
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The prosecution alleges that a blunt object was used to bludgeon Kluyts over the head, and she was subsequently smothered and strangled.
On Wednesday, the court is expected to hear closing arguments, and you can watch the live coverage right here:
