Shocking CCTV footage has emerged showing a KwaZulu-Natal woman leaving an Umhlanga restaurant with her ex-manager, who is now accused of her abduction and murder.
The tragic case of 23-year-old Ayabonga Mjilo has left South Africans outraged, as more details about her gruesome death come to light.
Mfanafuthi Kunene, a former restaurant manager, is alleged to have strangled Mjilo to death in a desperate attempt to silence her from revealing to his girlfriend that they had been intimate. The murder, which occurred on Christmas morning, has brought gender-based violence back into the national spotlight.
The Crime Unfolds
According to reports, Mjilo was last seen in the early hours of Christmas Day leaving an Umhlanga restaurant with Kunene. When she failed to return home, her family reported her missing, and a case of kidnapping was opened.
Police investigations later led them to Kunene’s home in Amaotana, Inanda, where Mjilo’s body was discovered buried in a shallow grave. She had been strangled to death.
Kunene now faces charges of kidnapping, murder, and defeating the ends of justice. He made his first appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday, with the case postponed to 26 February 2025 for further investigation.
Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli Condemns Gender-Based Violence
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli lauded the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their swift action in apprehending the suspect. He also extended his condolences to Mjilo’s grieving family and friends.
“On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ayabonga Mjilo,” Ntuli said. “Losing a young woman in such a brutal manner is a devastating tragedy. We stand in solidarity with the family as they seek justice.”
The Premier emphasized the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in the province and called for collective action to combat it.
“The brutal killing of Ayabonga Mjilo is a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead in our mission to end GBV. I commend the SAPS for their tireless efforts and urge the judiciary to impose the harshest possible punishment for such heinous crimes. KwaZulu-Natal has no place for individuals who commit these atrocities.”
A Call to Action
Ntuli urged communities, traditional leaders, and civil society to unite in addressing the root causes of violence against women and children.
“Violence against women is an affront to our values of Ubuntu and humanity. This scourge demands collective action. I call on our community leaders, traditional authorities, and every citizen to unite in rejecting these barbaric acts.”
The Premier highlighted the critical role of traditional leadership and community structures in creating a culture of respect and safety for women and children. He stressed the need for collaboration between government and communities to foster long-term solutions and ensure perpetrators face justice.
“We must stand as one, with a united voice, to condemn these acts of violence and reaffirm our commitment to building safe, inclusive communities. This fight is not just for the government; it is for every one of us,” he said.
A Community in Mourning
As the judicial process unfolds, the Premier called on the public to remain calm and patient while supporting Mjilo’s family. The government has vowed to continue its efforts in combating GBV and ensuring justice for its victims.
The tragic death of Ayabonga Mjilo has once again brought the issue of gender-based violence to the forefront, sparking nationwide conversations about accountability, community responsibility, and the urgent need to protect South Africa’s women and children.