MBOMBELA – The family of Lusanda Mathabela is opposing the bail application of two 18-year-old suspects, Katlego Mokoena and Lungelo Sithole, accused of her murder.
The pair appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, January 28, where their legal representatives told the court that they are proceeding with their bail applications after abandoning it on November 12, 2025.
The accused are facing a charge of murder for allegedly stabbing Mathabela multiple times at her home in Mataffin, Mbombela on November 3, 2025. One of the accused was reportedly her ex-lover, who had allegedly stalked her on social media prior to the murder.
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Ali Sibiya, the Mathabela family spokesperson, expressed their opposition to the bail application, citing the severity of the crime. “No bail for them, we don’t wish to see them back in our community. We are not happy, we are not ready to see them again in our communities,”he said.
The spokesperson for the Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, also opposed their bail application, citing concerns about public order and the seriousness of the crime. “We oppose their release on bail. The reason we’re opposing their release is that this case is related to gender-based violence. Their release might also affect public order.”
The community is rallying behind the Mathabela family, calling for an end to gender-based violence. The duo is currently in custody.
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The community is rallying behind the Mathabela family, calling for an end to gender-based violence. The duo is currently in custody. Mokoena’s bail hearing is set for February 26, while Sithole’s is on February 4.
