Mfanafuthi Kunene, a 37-year-old restaurant manager, appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on charges of kidnapping and murdering 23-year-old Ayabonga Mjilo. Kunene, who arrived in court with visible injuries, including a swollen face and a limp, has opted not to apply for bail. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance on February 26, 2025.
Mjilo was reported missing on Christmas Day, prompting her family to launch a frantic search. Tragically, her body was discovered days later in a shallow grave at Kunene’s property in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal. According to allegations, she had been strangled before being buried.
During his appearance, Kunene did not address the charges directly and declined to seek bail. The court has postponed the matter to allow for further investigations.
The gruesome discovery has left the Inanda community reeling, with Mjilo’s family grappling with the devastating loss. A family spokesperson expressed their heartbreak, describing Ayabonga as a kind and vibrant young woman whose life was cruelly cut short.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case. Kunene remains in custody, facing charges of both kidnapping and murder.