The two teenagers accused of killing 19-year-old Lusanda Mathabela have abandoned their bail application in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today (Wednesday, November 12).

The pair, Katlego Mokoena and Lungelo Sithole, both 18, allegedly stabbed Mathabela to death in a house in Mataffin on Monday, November 3.

Their lawyers informed the court that the accused had decided to provisionally abandon their bail application due to the seriousness of the charges against them.

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Magistrate Patrick Morris remanded both in custody pending further investigation. The case was postponed to January 28 next year.

The courtroom was packed with Mathabela’s family members, supporters and the Mpumalanga MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Leah Mabuza. Outside the court, several organisations, including Bella’s Athletics Club and GRIP, staged a picket in support of the family.

Family spokesperson Ali Sibiya said they were relieved by the outcome.

“As a family, we are hurt because of what happened, and if they were granted bail, it would have hurt us even more,” he said.

“Knowing that they will remain in custody gives us some peace. Seeing them walk free after doing such a thing would have broken our faith in the justice system.”

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Mabuza urged the public to unite in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide GBVF.

“We are here because we are concerned. Even though the case has been postponed, the community must continue supporting the family,” she said. “We want the President to declare GBVF a national disaster so that resources can be allocated to address it effectively.”

Mathabela’s funeral service was held at Alliance Church in KaNyamazane on Saturday, November 8, and she was laid to rest at the Rocky Drift Cemetery.