The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it will proceed with the prosecution of Bafana Mahungela, the 22-year-old student accused of the brutal murder of Sandton teacher Kirsten Kluyts, despite attempts by his defence to have the charges withdrawn.
NPA Regional Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has decided not to withdraw the charges against Mahungela, following a detailed review of defence submissions challenging the strength of the State’s case.
Mahungela is facing multiple charges including kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder, and attempted rape.
He was arrested in November 2023 at a student residence in Parkmore after the body of Kluyts, a teacher at Delta Park High School, was found dumped on a jogging lane in George Lea Park in Sandton on October 29, 2023.
Kluyts had been participating in a local athletic event on the day she was killed and was pregnant at the time of her death.
According to the investigation, surveillance footage captured Mahungela wearing a black T-shirt and pants before the murder.
He was later seen leaving the vicinity of the crime scene at 8:49 am wearing a blue T-shirt, identified by investigators as the same one worn by Kluyts earlier that morning. He was also seen holding a black item in his left hand.
Mahungela has admitted to undressing Kluyts and leaving her naked in the bushes, claiming he only did so to eliminate fingerprints after attempting to “help” her. Her clothes were later found dumped in a nearby drain.
Post-mortem results revealed that Kluyts died from blunt-force head trauma and strangulation. The State alleges it took approximately eight minutes to inflict the fatal injuries.
The defence had filed representations arguing that the prosecution lacked sufficient evidence to link Mahungela to the crime.
The State, represented by Advocates Siyabonga Futshana and Leisha Surendra, maintained that it is fully prepared to proceed.
“In response, Advocates Siyabonga Futshana and Leisha Surendra presented the State’s position in court, confirming that the prosecution is ready to proceed to trial,” Mjonondwane said.
The trial is expected to take place on October 13, 2025, in the Gauteng High Court.
Mahungela has been refused bail and will remain in custody until his trial.
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