KANYAMAZANE – In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Ligwalagwala FM radio DJ, Given Mathabela has bid a tearful farewell to his 19-year-old daughter, Lusanda Hope Mathabela, who was brutally murdered in her home in Mattafin, Mbombela.
Lusanda Mathabela’s life was brutally cut short in a violent attack at her home on Monday, November 3, 2025. She was allegedly stabbed multiple times by her ex-boyfriend and his accomplice, both 18, during a suspected break-in. The suspects were apprehended at the scene and made their first court appearance at the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on November 5.
The tragic loss has left the community in shock, with many mourning the senseless loss of a young life. Lusanda’s funeral service took place in Kanyamazane on Saturday, November 8, with her family, and friends gathered to pay their last respects.
READ | Family of brutally slain teen seeks justice!
In a poignant letter shared on social media, Mathabela poured out his grief, questioning the brutality that took his daughter’s life.“Will I ever heal from this pain?” he asked, as he struggled to come to terms with the devastating loss.
The incident has sparked outrage, with calls for justice and an end to gender-based violence. Lusanda’s uncle, Ali Sibiya, has urged that the accused be denied bail, saying: “We hope that these boys do not get bail. They must rot in jail. What they did has hurt us deeply.”
The two suspects have been charged with murder and are currently in custody. The case has been postponed to November 12, 2025, for a formal bail application.
