The bail hearing of murder accused Lungelo Sithole is continuing on Monday, 9 February, in the Nelspruit Magistrates Court.
On Friday, 6 February, the court heard chilling details about the brutal killing of 19-year-old Lusanda Mathabela.
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Her body was found inside her Mataffin home surrounded by blood.
Investigating officer Sergeant Pollan Mashiloane told the court that a knife, pieces of broken bottles and blood-stained gloves were discovered next to Mathabela’s body.
He described the crime scene as horrific, with blood found throughout the house, in the bedroom, living area and in the shower where the teenager’s body was discovered.
“We contacted EMS after receiving information that a person had been stabbed. Upon arrival, they confirmed that the victim was deceased,” Mashiloane testified.
He said police collected the knife, broken bottles and gloves as evidence.
“The deceased sustained multiple stab wounds. A post-mortem conducted the following day revealed more than 23 stab wounds. The cause of death was confirmed as multiple stabbing injuries,” he said.
Mashiloane further revealed that bodily fluids were collected during the post-mortem, raising suspicions that Mathabela may have been sexually assaulted.
“The DNA is already there, and it is still being analysed,” he told the court.
Opposing bail, Mashiloane said he believes Sithole may evade trial if released.
“I strongly believe that the accused will not stand trial and may evade justice. There’s also a possibility of additional charges, including sexual assault, which increases the risk of him absconding,” he said.
He added that Sithole could interfere with witnesses. A witness, who allegedly transported the suspects to the victim’s home, is known to him.
According to police, the group stopped at Ilanga Mall on the way to Mataffin. One of the co-accused allegedly bought cleaning gloves before they were dropped off along the road.
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Mashiloane said CCTV footage shows how the suspects gained entry into the house and that he believes Nkosi was strongly involved in the attack.
Sithole and his co-accused, Katlego Sithole (18), are charged with the murder of Mathabela, who was killed on 3 November 2025.
