Kluyts murder case postponed to Tuesday
The case against a 21-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of jogger Kirsten Kluyts has been postponed to 5 December in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.
Bafana Mahungela made his first appearance on Tuesday.
He faces a charge of murder after Kluyt’s lifeless body was discovered in a secluded part of George Leah Park in Sandton on 29 October.
Kluyts had been taking part in the MyRun event when she was reportedly accosted by her attacker and strangled.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says the student, who was arrested on Sunday, is yet to make a formal bail application.
"We will oppose his application to be released on bail if we reach that stage. For now, the matter has been postponed for him to appoint a lawyer."
The state has not ruled out the possibility of adding more charges against the student.
Mahungela, who was dressed in blue shorts and a black hoodie, shuffled into the dock with his ankles bound in shackles.
WATCH: Student charged with the murder of #KirstenKluyts returns to the holding cells after briefly appearing before the Alexandra Magistrates Court this morning.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) November 28, 2023
📹: Supplied pic.twitter.com/ArdXGB2Cps
While it’s been reported that Kluyts was raped, Mjonondwane confirmed that Mahungela only faces a charge of murder at this stage.
"There are still outstanding DNA results that the state needs to acquire. Therefore, the only charge that he's facing, for now, is one of murder. We will be guided by the outcome of the outstanding investigations whether or not additional charges should be added."
The student will remain in custody until his next court appearance when a decision on his possible bail application is expected.
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