KwaZulu-Natal Premier,Thami Ntuli attended the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 6 January, to support the family of Ayabonga Mjilo, a young woman allegedly murdered by a restaurant manager. The case, which has shocked the community, saw the accused, Mfanafuthi Kunene, 37, abandon his bail application.
Premier Ntuli’s presence highlighted the government’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence. Addressing the media outside the court, he urged society to unite against violence targeting women and children.
“I urge men to stop this violence. We must stand together as a society to confront this serious issue. It is time to say, ‘Not in our time,’ and take a firm stand to protect women and children,” said Ntuli.
Kunene faces charges of murder and kidnapping after allegedly strangling 22-year-old Mjilo and burying her body in his yard in Amaotana, Inanda. According to police, Mjilo was last seen with Kunene on 23 December 2024 before she disappeared. Her body was later discovered, leading to Kunene’s arrest.
In court, prosecutors revealed that the investigation was ongoing, with DNA and post-mortem results, as well as a witness list, still pending. The case was postponed to 26 February for further investigation.
Kunene, who appeared in court limping, consulted with his Legal Aid attorney before deciding not to proceed with his bail application. The accused and Mjilo reportedly met while working at Nutun call centre in Durban. Mjilo later left the company to join another call centre, Webhelp, but the motive for the alleged crime remains unclear.
The Mjilo family, devastated by their loss, expressed gratitude for the Premier’s support and the public’s solidarity.
As the case unfolds, Premier Ntuli’s plea serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address gender-based violence and support families affected by such tragedies.
