‘You Can Study In Jail’: Lusanda Mathabela Murder-Accused Denied Bail

One of two teenagers charged with the murder of 19-year-old Lusanda Mathabela has been denied bail.

Lungelo Sithole, 18, appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where Magistrate Patrick Morris ruled that his reasons for release did not meet the legal threshold of exceptional circumstances.

Sithole and his co-accused, Katlego Mokoena, also 18, are accused of killing Mathabela at her home in Mataffin, Mbombela, on 3 November last year. Mathabela was Mokoena’s former girlfriend.

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Sithole had asked the court to grant him bail so he could continue his studies. However, Magistrate Morris rejected the application.

“The court finds that the accused’s reason to be released on bail because he wants to further his studies does not constitute exceptional circumstances.

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“According to the investigating officer, the deceased, Lusanda Mathabela, was stabbed about 23 times.

“The accused tells the court that he did not take part in the murder, however the court is of the view that had the accused not taken part he would have shouted for help or helped the deceased while she was being killed.

“The court is of the view that the murder of Lusanda Mathabela was well-planned and the court decides that bail for the accused is denied,” said Morris.

The court previously heard that Mathabela was discovered lying face-down with 23 stab wounds. Her stomach had been cut open and her intestines were exposed.

When she was killed in November, Morris noted, South Africans were marching and calling on the president to declare gender-based violence a pandemic.

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Family spokesperson Abby Sibiya said the Mathabela family felt relieved by the outcome.

“We hope Lusanda, where she is, she’s smiling because of the support we got from the media making her plight known to the country.

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“We believe Mokoena’s bail is also going to be denied,” said Sibiya.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie welcomed the ruling, saying it sends a clear message.

“This will teach other young people and men in the country that hurting, abusing or killing women is not welcomed, and punishment awaits anyone who does that,” said Macie.

The case continues as both accused remain in custody.