THERE were tears and relief in the Nelspruit Magistrates Court after a teenager accused of a brutal murder was denied bail.
Lungelo Sithole (19) was refused bail on Friday, 20 February, in connection with the killing of Lusanda Mathabela.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Patrick Morris said Sithole failed to show exceptional circumstances that would justify his release.
"The applicant is still young and has his future ahead of him. There are people studying and even completing matric and law degrees while in custody. This cannot be regarded as exceptional," he said.
The magistrate questioned Sithole's behaviour during the deadly attack. He said the accused tried to distance himself from the crime but failed to act like an innocent man.
"If you were not part of the attack, why did you not assist the deceased? You could have shouted or screamed for help. There were construction workers outside the house, but you did not," he said.
The court ruled that the only reasonable inference was that Sithole took part in the attack.
'Planned and executed'
Magistrate Morris added that the state has a strong case.
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"The attack on Lusanda Mathabela was planned and executed deliberately. She was attacked inside her own home, where she was supposed to feel safe. Her constitutional right to life was brutally taken away," he said.
Mathabela's family welcomed the ruling. Family spokesman Abby Sibiya said the decision brought some comfort after months of pain.
"We are relieved that bail has been denied. It sends a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. This process has been emotionally draining, but today we feel some relief knowing the accused remains behind bars," he said.
GBV alarm raised
Patrick Ntimane, captain of Bellas Club, raised concern about the rising gender-based violence (GBV) cases.
"We've seen an increase in these incidents, and we strongly stand against GBV in any form. We will continue advocating against GBV for our children, women and society at large," he said.
Mathabela was brutally stabbed to death at her home in Mataffin in November 2025.
It's alleged that Sithole and his co-accused, Katlego Mokoena, climbed over the wall fence and gained entry into her home. Mathabela was allegedly stabbed more than 23 times inside the house.
Mokoena is expected to apply for bail on Thursday, 26 February.
The case has been postponed to 26 March for further investigations.
