Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the brutal killing of the young girl and commended the swift response of the police unit. “It is shocking that such a young girl, with a bright future ahead, was killed in such a brutal manner. We thank the construction workers for alerting the family. The suspects will face the full might of the law,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.
This comes after Two suspects, Katlego Mokoena (18) and Lungelo Sithole (18), appeared at Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court for the murder of 19-year-old Lusanda Mathabela on 03 November 2025 at Mattafin, Nelspruit.
Police received a complaint of a residential burglary. Upon arrival, it was established that members of the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit were already on the scene. The police discovered the young girl lying in a pool of blood, showing no signs of life, with multiple stab wounds.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the two suspects broke into the house by jumping over the wall. There was construction work underway on the premises. The suspects encountered the victim inside the house; when she screamed, one of the suspects allegedly stabbed her.
Construction workers nearby heard the commotion and contacted the owner, the victim’s father, who rushed home. On the way, he met members of the POP Unit and explained the situation. The officers immediately responded, and the two suspects were cornered and arrested.
It is alleged that one of the suspects was a former male friend of the victim. Emergency services pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
The suspects were charged with murder and have appeared in court. They remain in custody as the case has been postponed to 12 November 2025 for a formal bail application. One of the suspects is a Grade 12 learner.
