A man accused of the murder of Johannesburg teacher Kirsten Kluyts has denied being responsible for her death, although he did admit to coming across her body.
Bafana Mahungela appeared in court for a bail application, with the state opposing his release.
The 21-year-old Varsity College student is facing charges of rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and premeditated murder in connection to Kluyts’ death.
Kluyts, a teacher at Delta Park High School, was attacked while participating in the MyRun event in Sandton on October 29, 2023.
Her body was later found at George Lea Park in Parkmore, hours after her disappearance. Several items, including her running shoes, sunglasses, blue T-shirt, pants, and pink cap, were taken.
Mahungela was arrested at the Varsity College student residence in Benmore on November 26, following the retrieval of video footage from nearby closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
The footage allegedly shows Mahungela leaving the area where Kluyts’ body was found, wearing her blue T-shirt.
The bail application has become a highly contentious issue, with the defense requesting video evidence to support their application.
The state argues that Mahungela should not be granted bail due to the seriousness of the charges and the potential risk he poses to society.
The case has sparked outrage and deep sadness among the community and the wider public.
Kluyts’ murder highlights the ongoing issue of gender-based violence in South Africa and the need for justice and protection for women.
The court proceedings will be closely watched as the justice system seeks to bring closure to this tragic case.
