Bafana Mahungela was convicted on 11 September 2026 of murdering pregnant teacher Kirsten Kluyts, along with charges of attempted rape, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and defeating the ends of justice. Judge Ian Cox delivered the verdict in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, nearly three years after Kluyts was killed while jogging in George Lea Park, Sandton. The 34-year-old Delta Park High School teacher was 14 weeks pregnant at the time of her death.

The court heard that Kluyts had been beaten, choked, and strangled before her naked body was hidden under an old mat. A post-mortem examination cited blunt-force head trauma and strangulation as the cause of death.

CCTV Footage And Forensic Evidence

Central to the State’s case was CCTV footage showing Mahungela entering the park shortly after Kluyts wearing a black T-shirt and later leaving in her blue T-shirt while carrying items. The State argued the fatal assault lasted several minutes. Mahungela, who initially admitted taking Kluyts’ clothing before later denying it, pleaded not guilty to all charges and chose to represent himself during the trial.

According to court documents, his shifting defence failed to raise reasonable doubt against the forensic evidence and witness testimony. Kluyts’ killing during a morning run in an affluent suburb shocked the nation and reignited public debate over gender-based violence and safety in public spaces.

Courtroom Reaction And Sentencing

Following the verdict, Mahungela questioned the court’s impartiality. “After this whole process of the charges, I’m not sure that I want to stand for myself because during the trial, I was standing for myself under your care and here I am guilty of all charges,” he said in an exchange with the judge. “The court said that they would be looking after my rights and all those things but I’m guilty of all charges.”

The matter was postponed to 27 October 2026 for sentencing arguments. Mahungela will remain in custody until then.

The conviction marks a significant step toward justice for Kluyts’ family and the broader community, with formal sentencing proceedings set to begin next month.