AYABONGA Mjilo, the woman who was brutally murdered and buried in the back yard of a home in Inanda, allegedly by her former manager, was laid to rest on Saturday.

Mjilo (23) was last seen leaving a restaurant with a man known to her in uMhlanga on Christmas Day.

On Saturday, KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli joined Mjilo’s family and mourners as she was laid to rest in Hlokozi, in the south of the province.

“Today, we lay to rest not only a beloved daughter but also the dreams and potential of a young life stolen by a heinous act. Ayabonga’s story is one that must never be repeated. The fight against gender-based violence cannot be won by government alone. It requires collective efforts from communities, traditional leaders, and civil society. Together, we must create safe spaces for women and children and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions,” Ntuli said.

Related story: uMhlanga call center manager accused of murder abandons bail

Mjilo, who was living in Quarry Heights, was reported missing at the Greenwood Park police station where a case of kidnapping was opened, leading to the investigation and the arrest of the accused.

Mfanafuthi Kunene, the man accused of kidnapping, killing and burying Mjilo in his yard, made his first appearance at the Durban Magistrate’s Court last week where he was remanded in custody until his next appearance on February 26, pending further investigations.

Kunene (37), who is a call centre manager in uMhlanga, chose not to pursue his bail application.

According to KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, Mjilo’s murderer took her to his home in Inanda.

Also read: KZN Premier condemns kidnap and murder of young woman

“During the investigations it was discovered that the man, who was her manager at work, took her to his home at Amaotana area in Inanda. The two reportedly had an altercation and the man allegedly strangled her to death and buried her body in his yard,” Netshiunda said.

Kunene, who was arrested on Saturday, January 4, is facing charges of kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice.

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