Bella’s Athletics Club held a walk in memory of Lusanda Mathabela (19), who was brutally killed on Monday, November 3.

The walk started at Crossing Centre Nelspruit and continued to the Mbombela Stadium and back on Friday, November 7. Participants could choose to walk 5km, 8km or 10km.

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According to Patrick Ntimane of Bella’s, the event saw a remarkable turnout of both runners and concerned citizens.

“We were all united in one purpose, and we walked to say ‘enough is enough’ to the brutal killing of women and children,” he said. “The run/walk carried a strong message following the tragic and senseless murder of our beloved daughter. Together, we stood in solidarity, sending a clear message to those who continue to commit such heinous acts: Our communities will no longer be silent.”

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Meanwhile, Katlego Mokoena and Lungelo Sithole, both 18, appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on November 5. They stand accused of murdering Mathabela.

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

“Upon arrival, it was established that members of the Public Order Policing 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.”

Preliminary investigations suggest that the two accused gained entry to the house by jumping over the wall. The case has been postponed to November 12 for a formal bail application, and the accused will remain in custody until then.