Bafana Mahungela found guilty of Kirsten Kluyts murder

The long-running case over the brutal killing of pregnant teacher, Kirsten Kluyts, has ended in a guilty verdict.

Twenty-three-year-old, Bafana Mahungela, has been convicted of murdering the 34-year-old Delta Park High School teacher, who was 14 weeks pregnant when she was attacked, strangled and killed during a park run at George Lea Park in Sandton in October 2023.

The Johannesburg High Court handed down judgment on Friday, rejecting Mahungela’s version that he stumbled upon Kluyts’ already-deceased body and, in a panic, moved her and took some of her clothing.

Instead, the court found that the State’s case, although largely circumstantial, formed a compelling picture when all the evidence was considered together.

CCTV footage placed Mahungela at the park before and after the attack, while investigators also noted that he was seen wearing a T-shirt matching clothing belonging to Kluyts.

DNA evidence further linked him to crucial pieces of evidence.

Mahungela had pleaded not guilty to kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder and attempted rape.

In delivering judgment, the court found that the State had properly authenticated the video footage, making it admissible as evidence.

“Based on all the afore knowing, the court is then satisfied that the bail denial of the accused and his criticisms to the video footage evidence is not reasonably possibly true. I find that his version is false and it is rejected as such. I am therefore in closing satisfied that the state indeed succeeded in proving the guilts of the accused beyond all reasonable doubt on all the accounts that he is charged with and he is then so convicted except for the alternative charge account,” Judge Ian Cox ruled.

A facial comparison expert also testified that Mahungela was the person seen in the footage presented to the court.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed the conviction, describing it as a significant step towards securing justice for Kluyts and her family.

State Advocates, Siyabonga Futshana and Leisha Surendra, led the prosecution, presenting evidence tracing Mahungela’s movements on the day of the murder, alongside forensic and other corroborating evidence.

NPA Communications Officer, Magaboke Mohlatlole, has commended the prosecution team for putting together what the State described as a comprehensive case.

However, moments after the guilty verdict, Mahungela made it clear that he was far from satisfied.

He interrupted Judge Ian Cox, questioning whether he was simply expected to “stand and listen”, while raising concerns about whether his rights had been protected during the trial.

Mahungela, who represented himself, also complained that he had been prevented from reappointing his lawyer.

He appeared eager to leave the courtroom, even before a date for sentencing had been announced.

The court will now turn its attention to sentencing.

On social media, the guilty verdict has been met largely with relief, with many users expressing sympathy for Kluyts’ family and welcoming the court’s findings.

Others have focused on the evidence that ultimately secured Mahungela’s conviction, while his reaction in court has also sparked discussion online.

Mahungela represented himself in a murder case and now blames the Court after being found guilty on all charges.

He was taking chances. pic.twitter.com/yJC5C3LyKj

— Sentletse 🇿🇦🇷🇺🇵🇸🇱🇧 (@Sentletse) September 11, 2026

This Bafana Mahungela should have told NPA he is either a serial killer or became a spontaneous killer on that instead of trying to be clever by denying it.
That Court is going to show him flames! pic.twitter.com/ooMcQm4ijx

— Manikivana (@Manikipi) September 11, 2026

It was the fact that he wore her clothes and his DNA all over her that resulted in his conviction. 💥. This guy gives me serial killer vibes. He must be given a hectic sentence. 💀

— 🇿🇦El🇿🇦 (@El123V) September 11, 2026

Written by: Odirile Rabalao