Bafana Mahungela convicted of murdering pregnant teacher Kirsten Kluyts

The Johannesburg High Court has convicted 23-year-old Bafana Mahungela for the murder of Kirsten Kluyts, a 34-year-old teacher at Delta Park High School. Kluyts, who was 14 weeks pregnant at the time, was attacked, strangled, and killed during a MyRun event at George Lea Park in Sandton in October 2023.

Mahungela was found guilty of murder, kidnapping, robbery, attempted rape, and defeating the ends of justice. The court rejected his defense that he had merely stumbled upon the victim's body and moved her in a panic.

Key evidence included CCTV footage that placed Mahungela at the park before and after the attack, as well as footage showing him leaving the area wearing a T-shirt matching clothing belonging to Kluyts. DNA evidence and facial comparison expert testimony further supported the State's case. Judge Ian Cox ruled that the State had proven the guilt of the accused beyond all reasonable doubt.