The family of 19-year-old Lusanda Mathabela from Mataffin, Mpumalanga, is struggling with unbearable grief and anger following her brutal murder, allegedly at the hands of her ex-boyfriend and his friend. Lusanda, the daughter of Ligwalagwala FM radio host Given Mathabela, was found brutally stabbed several times at her home on Monday, 3 November.
Her grandmother, Sibongile Nkonde, described the horrific scene, saying the young woman was killed “as if they were slaughtering a cow.” She recalled finding blood splattered everywhere, suggesting that Lusanda fought hard for her life. The sight left the family deeply traumatized.
Police confirmed that two suspects, aged 18 and 19, have been arrested and charged with murder. They appeared briefly before the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 5 November.
Lusanda’s mother, Senzekile Maphalala, shared that her daughter had recently confided in her about being stalked online by her ex-boyfriend after their breakup. He reportedly followed her on Instagram and sent her messages that made her uncomfortable. Although Lusanda never said he was violent, her mother sensed that she was growing increasingly uneasy.
The family has strongly opposed the accused’s request for bail. One of the suspects reportedly argued that he should be released because he is a Grade 12 learner who still has exams to write. But Sibongile Nkonde said the family was outraged by that request, insisting that “his life continues while our granddaughter’s life was cut short.” She pleaded for justice, saying Lusanda’s killers must receive the harshest possible punishment to ensure that no other family suffers such pain.
A close friend of Lusanda, Francica Mangueze, described her as “a warm and loving person” who was full of life and kindness. She said the tragedy feels even more painful because the accused were known to the family—people who were supposed to care for and protect Lusanda, not destroy her future.
The community of Mataffin has rallied around the grieving family, condemning the senseless killing and calling for an end to gender-based violence. Many have expressed anger and heartbreak on social media, demanding that Lusanda’s name not be forgotten and that her death serves as a wake-up call about the dangers of toxic relationships and unchecked aggression.
As the case proceeds through the courts, the Mathabela family remains determined to seek justice and ensure Lusanda’s death is not in vain. They are urging law enforcement and the justice system to act swiftly and decisively, sending a strong message that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated.
Lusanda’s story has become another painful reminder of the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence in South Africa—a crisis that continues to claim the lives of young women with dreams, potential, and bright futures ahead of them.
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