High-Stakes Battle Over DNA Evidence as Bafana Mahungela’s Murder Trial Resumes
The high-profile murder trial of Bafana Mahungela resumed today in the Johannesburg High Court, with his legal team launching a renewed effort to dismiss the charges in the 2023 killing of teacher Kirsten Kluyts, citing “major inconsistencies” in the DNA evidence presented by the prosecution.
Kluyts, a beloved educator, was found brutally murdered last year, sending shockwaves through her community and igniting national calls for justice. Mahungela, arrested shortly after the incident, has maintained his innocence from the start.
Defence Attacks Forensic Reliability
Mahungela’s defence argues that the state’s case is built on flawed forensic processes, claiming that DNA samples were mishandled, cross-contaminated, or inconclusive. Lead defence counsel submitted a motion today urging the court to consider dismissing the case entirely if the prosecution cannot reconcile the “glaring contradictions” in its forensic timeline.
“Our client cannot stand trial on evidence that doesn’t meet the basic threshold of reliability,” the defence said, calling the DNA issues “deeply prejudicial.”
Prosecution Holds Its Ground
The prosecution, however, insists that the DNA findings remain materially intact, and that multiple strands of evidence—including surveillance footage and witness testimony—tie Mahungela to the crime scene.
“We are confident in the integrity of our case,” said the state’s lead prosecutor outside court. “This is not a trial by DNA alone.”
Trial Grips Public Attention
The case has captured widespread media and public attention, not only because of the gruesome nature of the crime, but also due to growing scrutiny over forensic science reliability in South Africa’s courts.
Today’s proceedings were adjourned after intense arguments, with the judge expected to rule on the defence’s application later this week.
As tensions rise in the courtroom and outside, Kirsten Kluyts’ family continues to call for justice, urging the public to remember the victim behind the headlines.
