MBOMBELA- Lungelo Sithole (19), the second accused in the Lusanda Mathabela murder case, was denied bail by the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today.
Sithole and his co-accused, Katlego Mokoena (19), allegedly murdered the 20-year-old at her home in Mataffin, on November 3, 2025. Investigations revealed Mathabela was brutally stabbed over 23 times, with her intestines exposed. Sithole had maintained his innocence, claiming he was merely accompanying Mokoena, Mathabela’s alleged former boyfriend, to her home.
He pleaded for bail to further his studies, but magistrate, Patrick Morris ruled that his release would undermine public confidence in the justice system.
“Peace and security among members of the public will be undermined or jeopardized by the release of the accused. The release of the accused will undermine or jeopardise public confidence in the criminal justice system.
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In this case, exceptions and circumstances do not exist and it will not be in the interest of justice to release this applicant on bail. The accused will be kept in custody until this matter has been finalised and his bail has been refused,” said the magistrate.
VIDEO: Accused in the Lusanda Mathabela murder case leaving the courtroom
The court also noted that Sithole’s reason for seeking bail to further his studies did not constitute exceptional circumstances, adding that there are people studying in custody.
“There are people currently studying in custody. Some of these people passed matric in 2025. This is just circumstantial of evidence against the applicant and his co-accused,” added Magistrate Morris while handing down judgment on the bail application.
Advocate Patt Sekatane, Sithole’s legal representative, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, stating that the magistrate focused on the merits of the case rather than the bail application.
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The Mathabela family welcomed the court’s decision. “We are not happy, but relieved that bail has been denied. He will rot in jail,” said family spokesperson Abby Sibiya. The case will proceed on March 26, 2026 for further investigations. Mokoena is expected to appear in court on February 26, 2026 for his formal bail application.
