Katlego Mokoena and Lungelo Sithole, both 18, appeared at Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on November 5 on charges of murder.

They stand accused of murdering 19-year-old Lusanda Mathabela from Mataffin on November 3.

According to the Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the duo was arrested after the SAPS received a complaint of a residential burglary.

“Upon arrival, it was established that members of the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit were already on the scene. Police discovered the young woman lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds and showing no signs of life.

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“Preliminary investigations suggest that the two accused gained entry to the house by jumping over the wall, as construction work was under way on the premises. Mokoena and Sithole allegedly encountered the victim inside the house, and when she screamed, one of them stabbed her,” Ndubane said.

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She added that construction workers nearby heard the commotion and contacted the owner of the house, the victim’s father, who rushed home.

On his way, he encountered members of the POP Unit on the roadside and explained the situation. The officers immediately responded, cornering and arresting the suspects.

“It is alleged that one of the suspects was a former friend of the victim. Emergency services declared the victim dead at the scene,” Ndubane said.

The case has been postponed to November 12 for formal bail application, and the accused will remain in custody until then.

Ndubane also said one of the suspects is a Grade 12 learner, who will write his examination tomorrow, November 6, while in custody.