CCTV Footage Links Ex-Manager to KZN Woman’s Brutal Murder
Shocking CCTV footage has surfaced, revealing a KwaZulu-Natal woman, Ayabonga Mjilo, leaving an Umhlanga restaurant with her ex-manager, who is now accused of her abduction and murder. The tragedy has sparked outrage across South Africa and reignited calls for action against gender-based violence (GBV).
## The Tragic Crime
Ayabonga Mjilo, a 23-year-old woman, was last seen in the early hours of Christmas Day, leaving the restaurant with her former manager, Mfanafuthi Kunene. When she failed to return home, her family reported her missing, prompting a police investigation.
Authorities traced Kunene to his home in Amaotana, Inanda, where Mjilo’s body was discovered buried in a shallow grave. Reports reveal that she had been strangled, allegedly to prevent her from informing Kunene’s girlfriend about their intimate relationship.
Kunene, a former restaurant manager, now faces charges of kidnapping, murder, and attempting to obstruct justice. He appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court, where the case was postponed to February 26, 2025, for further investigation.
## Premier Condemns Gender-Based Violence
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has condemned the brutal murder and extended condolences to Mjilo’s grieving family. In his statement, he lauded the swift action by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in apprehending the suspect.
“On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ayabonga Mjilo. Losing a young woman in such a brutal manner is a devastating tragedy. We stand in solidarity with the family as they seek justice,” Ntuli said.
He highlighted the ongoing crisis of GBV in the province and called for harsh penalties for those who commit such crimes.
“The murder of Ayabonga Mjilo is a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead in our mission to end gender-based violence. KwaZulu-Natal has no place for individuals who commit these atrocities,” Ntuli emphasized.
## A Call for Unity
Premier Ntuli urged communities, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to work together in combating GBV and fostering a culture of respect and safety for women and children.
“Violence against women is an affront to our values of Ubuntu and humanity. This scourge demands collective action. I call on our community leaders, traditional authorities, and every citizen to unite in rejecting these barbaric acts,” Ntuli stated.
He underscored the importance of community structures and traditional leadership in addressing the root causes of violence and ensuring long-term solutions.
“The fight against gender-based violence is not just a government responsibility—it is a societal obligation. We must stand together to condemn these acts and build safe, inclusive communities,” he added.
## Justice for Ayabonga Mjilo
As the investigation continues, the Premier called on the public to support Mjilo’s family while respecting the judicial process. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating GBV and ensuring justice for its victims.
The tragic death of Ayabonga Mjilo serves as a somber reminder of the pervasive violence faced by women in South Africa. Her story has ignited renewed determination to address the systemic issues behind GBV and demand justice for all victims.
