More details regarding the death of a Lovu township woman have emerged after the case’s investigating officer testified in court on July 24. Ayabonga Mjilo (23) was last seen alive with her work manager, Mfanafuthi Kunene (37), in December 2024, and was initially sought as a missing person.

Also read: Illovo gender-based violence victim laid to rest

Mjilo and Kunene had been part of a group of co-workers who were celebrating the festive season at an Umhlanga restaurant on December 24, 2024. After the two left the establishment together in the early hours of December 25, 2024, Mjilo was never seen alive again. Before her disappearance, she had been renting accommodation in Avoca Hills to be closer to work.

The case’s investigating officer, Sergeant Nhlanhla Mhlongo, told the court that when the case was assigned to him, it was that of a missing person, but after speaking with Mjilo’s sister, it was changed to that of kidnapping.

Also read: Isipingo kidnapping victim rescued

“The sister told me that on January 3, 2025, she kept receiving calls from a hidden number, and the caller was saying he was with Ayabonga. The caller told the sister that he would only release Ayabonga after a certain amount of money had been paid to him. Some of those calls came through while I was talking to the sister. In the light of this, the case was changed to kidnapping,” said Mhlongo.

A review of the restaurant’s CCTV footage showed that the couple left together in the same car just after midnight, but when he was questioned, Kunene allegedly told the officer that they had left in separate e-hailing taxis, which raised suspicion.

Mhlongo said the police decided to visit Kunene at his Inanda home on the west of Durban, where his mother and brother said he was not home. After a brief search, however, Kunene was found hiding behind a curtain in his mother’s bedroom and was placed under arrest. It was at this point that Mhlongo said Kunene allegedly broke down and confessed that he had unintentionally killed Mjilo. He also pointed out a shallow grave in his yard where the body was recovered.

The state has rejected lesser plea offers, proceeding with the kidnapping and murder prosecution. The case continues.

For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.