Bafana Mahungela has been found guilty of murdering pregnant teacher Kirsten Kluyts, nearly three years after her death during a MyRun event in Johannesburg.
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According to IOL, the Johannesburg High Court on Friday, 11 September 2026, convicted the 23-year-old of murder, kidnapping, robbery, attempted rape and defeating the ends of justice in connection with Kirsten’s death. The continuation of judgment had been scheduled for Friday after the court previously reserved judgment in the case.
Kirsten Kluyts killed during MyRun Event
Kirsten, a 34-year-old teacher at Delta Park High School, was taking part in a MyRun event at George Lea Park in Parkmore, Sandton, on 29 October 2023, when she was attacked.
She was 14 weeks pregnant at the time.
Her death shocked her family, school community and fellow runners, with the case attracting widespread attention as details surrounding the attack emerged.
A post-mortem examination found that Kirsten died from blunt-force trauma and strangulation.
This is the image that places the 21-year old directly at the crime scene of Kirsten Kluyts. He was seen leaving wearing the same shirt she was wearing while on her run. He maintains though he didn’t rape or murder or but merely stumbled upon her body. #eNCA #KirstenKluyts pic.twitter.com/b4cVbBSsUa
— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) December 18, 2023
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CCTV footage key to State’s case
CCTV footage formed a significant part of the State’s evidence against Bafana.
The footage showed Bafana entering the park while Kirsten was taking part in the run. According to the evidence presented in court, he was later seen leaving the area wearing the blue T-shirt Kirsten had been wearing earlier. He was also allegedly in possession of some of her belongings.
The judge found the CCTV evidence reliable, strengthening the State’s case against Bafana.
Bafana, who represented himself during the trial, had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Bafana reacts to guilty verdict
Following the verdict, Bafana reportedly expressed shock in court.
He is now expected to secure legal representation ahead of sentencing proceedings.
Sentencing has been scheduled for 27 October 2026, when the court will hear submissions before determining the appropriate punishment.
[WATCH] Judge Cox explains to Mahungela what will follow after his conviction.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/8wVDJBrIeU
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 11, 2026
Family and school community receive some closure
The guilty verdict provides a measure of closure for Kirsten’s family and the wider school community, who have waited almost three years for the conclusion of the trial.
Her death left a lasting impact on those who knew her, particularly at Delta Park High School, where she was remembered as a teacher and member of the school community.
While the verdict does not undo the loss suffered by Kirsten’s loved ones, it marks a significant development in a case that has remained in the public spotlight since October 2023.
The sentencing proceedings on 27 October will now determine Bafana’s fate following his conviction on all the charges.
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