The Alexandra Magistrate’s Court was informed today that Kirsten Kluyts, a 34-year-old teacher who was tragically killed, was pregnant at the time of her death. The accused, 21-year-old student Bafana Mahungela, has applied for bail and faces charges of both rape and murder in connection to the case.
Kluyts, an English teacher at Delta Park High School, was murdered while participating in a local sporting event in October. Mahungela was apprehended at the Varsity College student residence in Sandton last month.
The court proceedings commenced on Monday, with the defense questioning the state about the necessity of Mahungela being brought to the courtroom in ankle chains. Following a brief adjournment, the ankle cuffs were removed.
Post-mortem results revealed that Kluyts suffered injuries from a blunt object, was smothered, and had pressure applied to her neck leading to her death. The state presented CCTV footage depicting Mahungela leaving the area where the body was discovered.
Defense attorney Itumuleng Masako requested copies of photos and a video from the crime scene, a demand met with initial resistance from the state. Eventually, the state provided copies of the pictures taken at the crime scene.
During his testimony, Mahungela identified himself and his girlfriend in pictures taken at a pyjama party in Alexander the night before Kluyts was killed. He vehemently denied any contemplation of harming anyone.
In response to questions about his arrest, Mahungela alleged that law enforcement agencies did not read him his rights upon apprehension. Furthermore, he claimed to have experienced physical abuse during the arrest, asserting that he was slapped before being taken to the police station. Additionally, he mentioned being coerced to unlock his cell phone and provide his password due to the alleged assault.
The trial continues as the court delves into the details of this tragic incident, with the accused maintaining his innocence amid serious charges.