Family Struggles to Identify Ayabonga Mjilo Due to Brutal Murder and Decomposition
Family Struggles to Identify Ayabonga Mjilo Due to Brutal Murder and Decomposition
The family of 23-year-old Ayabonga Gcino Mjilo has shared the devastating ordeal of identifying her body after it was found buried in a shallow grave at her former manager Mfanafuthi Kunene’s home in Amaoti, Inanda. The young woman’s head had begun decomposing, making the identification process a deeply traumatic experience for her loved ones.
Ayabonga, who went missing on Christmas Day, was laid to rest today in Hlokozi, KwaZulu-Natal. Her tragic death has sent shockwaves through her community and the nation at large, bringing attention to the brutality of the violence she endured.
The Painful Discovery
CCTV footage from December 23 captured Ayabonga leaving a restaurant in Umhlanga with Kunene. When she didn’t return home, her family launched a frantic search. Days later, the search came to a heartbreaking end when her body was discovered in Kunene’s yard.
It is alleged that Kunene lured her to his home, where he strangled her before burying her in a shallow grave. By the time her body was recovered, decomposition had set in, making it excruciatingly difficult for her family to identify her remains.
Her family described the moment they saw her body as a scene of unimaginable horror. “It was difficult to accept that it was her because of the way her body had deteriorated. No one should ever have to endure this pain,” said a family spokesperson.
Brutality and Deception
Kunene’s actions following the murder have added to the family’s grief. He allegedly fabricated a story claiming Ayabonga left the restaurant with a “Nigerian man” and even created a fake social media account to back up his narrative. This cruel attempt to deflect blame not only delayed the investigation but also caused further anguish to those searching for answers.
Community Grieves a Life Cut Short
Ayabonga was remembered as a bright, kind-hearted young woman with dreams and aspirations that were stolen from her. Her funeral in Hlokozi drew scores of mourners, including friends, family, and community members who shared in the family’s grief.
“She didn’t deserve this. No one does,” said a community leader at the service. “The brutality of her murder is something we will never forget, and we demand justice for her and her family.”
A Call for Accountability
The manner in which Ayabonga’s life was taken has reignited conversations about the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa. Activists have pointed to the systemic failures that allow such crimes to persist and the need for stronger protections for women.
Mfanafuthi Kunene, who is currently in custody, faces charges of murder. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 26, 2025, as investigations continue.
The nation mourns the loss of Ayabonga Gcino Mjilo, a young woman whose promising life ended in an act of senseless violence. Her family and community are now left to navigate their grief while calling for justice and an end to the ongoing epidemic of violence against women.
