HAPPY New Year Mzansi!
On Sunday, 31 December, the world welcomed the new year with excitement and renewed hope.
But not everybody was in a celebratory mood.
On Friday, 29 December, murder accused Bafana Mahungela appeared in the Alexandra Magistrates Court, where he is facing charges of rape, premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
He is accused of raping and killing teacher, Kirsten Kluyts (34).
The accused maintained that he did not kill the teacher but stumbled upon her body in a hidden area.
He further said he left the park wearing her T-shirt to get rid of his fingerprints from her body.
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The Delta Park High teacher, who was 14 weeks pregnant, was found murdered at the George Lea Recreational Park in Parkmore, Sandton, on October 29.
Magistrate Syta Prinsloo, handing down her judgment, said the evidence before the court showed that Kluytz was brutally murdered with an object.
“She was brutally assaulted by the possibility of strangling and neck pressure cannot be excluded,” she said. Prinsloo said evidence shows Mahungela poses a danger to society.
“Given the prima farce evidence against the applicant, the court is of the opinion that the applicant poses a danger to society to women in our community. The applicant disposed of her clothing potentially eliminating valuable evidence and failed to report his discovery to the police or security offices either directly or anonymously. The court is of the opinion that the applicant made deliberate measures to avoid detention.”
The magistrate said Mahungela didn’t flee the province because he believed he had destroyed the evidence against him.
Prinsloo said it was not in the interest of justice to release him on bail as he failed to prove that he did not commit the crime.
Mahungela’s lawyer, Itumeleng Masako, indicated they would urgently appeal the judgment.
The case was postponed to 19 January 2024.
In KZN, devastating floods ripped through parts of the province on Christmas eve, Sunday, 24 December.
It's alleged that at about midnight on Christmas Eve, a riverbank along Bellspruit collapsed, causing severe flooding. The death toll in Ladysmith stood at 22.
The search for more bodies in the affected area continues.
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In entertainment news, radio fans were shocked to hear about the passing of former Umhlobo Wenene FM presenter,Mthobeli "KCI" August.
His family announced the news in a statement on Friday, 29 December. They said the media personality was found dead at his Joburg home on Friday.
"It is with great sadness that the August family announces the passing of their son, Mthobeli KCi August. Mthobeli was found unconscious at his home in Johannesburg on Friday, 29 December 2023.
"Mthobeli was a decorated radio presenter who enthralled audiences across South Africa with his unique style of presenting," the statement read.
KCi was known for his hilarious style of hosting. He hosted Umhlobo Wenene’s afternoon show.
His time at the station also came with some controversies. He was suspended a few times and also accused the station of failing to pay him on time twice.
He now lived a quiet life out of the limelight.
