A 21-year-old Benmore student has been arrested by Sandton SAPS as a suspect in the murder case of Parkmore resident Kirsten Kluyts (34).
The Delta Park teacher’s body was discovered on October 29, in George Lea Park where she was killed while jogging.
The suspect appears in court for the first time: November 28
The suspect who has been identified as Bafana Mahungela made his first appearance at the Alexandra Magistrates’s Court on November 28.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng local division spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said, “The case was postponed to December 5 for the suspect to appoint a lawyer,” said Mjonondwane.
Suspect is arrested thanks to relevant roleplayers: November 27
The suspect [now known as Bafana Mahungela] was apprehended in a student’s residence in Benmore at about 16:00 on November 26.
The office of the provincial commissioner of police in Gauteng issued a statement on November 26, commending Sandton’s team of detectives for cracking the case.
“This follows a thorough investigation by detectives, and the cooperation of 24/7 Security management,” reads the statement by Brigadier Brenda Muridili. “The suspect will be charged with murder, and he will appear before the court soon.”
Muridili was contacted for further comment on November 27, with regard to ascertaining how Kirsten Kluyts was killed.
“The cause of death will be determined by a post-mortem,” Muridili said.
“The report has not yet been released by forensics.”
Read the original story: Parkmore woman found deceased
Parkmore Community Association (PCA) suburb manager Lori Klein commended both SAPS and 24/7 Security for their work done with residents’ assistance in obtaining and combing through, hours of CCTV footage to trace the route taken by the suspect.
“This is an example of what can be achieved when a community association, private security and residents work together with SAPS to solve crime.
“The community is breathing a collective sigh of relief that a suspect has been arrested for this heinous crime.”
Sandton CPF spokesperson Roshan Byinal echoed Klein’s sentiments on the effectiveness of communities working together with police in efforts to make Sandton safer. “The incident has obviously raised lots of concerns in the community, and this can bring some relief to us.
“Sandton CPF is aware that a suspect has been arrested through investigations by Sandton SAPS. We are glad such progress was made, and [we] are proud of the police.”
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