Video evidence under scrutiny as testimonies continue in Kirsten Kluyts murder trial

Proceedings at the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg continued this week as testimony and video evidence were examined in the murder case of teacher Kirsten Kluyts, who was found dead in October 2023.

What the court heard

The trial centres in part on video footage that prosecutors say links 23-year-old former Sandton student Bafana Mahungela to the scene at George Lea Park. An image analyst is expected to be called to confirm or refute the authenticity of that footage.

The footage, according to testimony, allegedly shows a man walking out of George Lea Park wearing a cap and black top and, reportedly, Kluyts’ T-shirt. A member of a community policing forum who viewed the footage told the court she identified the man as Mahungela.

“I have watched the footage for hours to get a good impression of the person. The nose, mouth, and eyes of the person are the same as those of the accused standing here,”

The witness said her glasses do not affect her observational abilities and described herself as having a special gift for noticing and seeing things, though she also told the court she has never received special training in identifying people.

Defence response

Mahungela has disputed that he is the person in the video and characterised the witness identification as a case of mistaken identity. In court he asked the witness a rhetorical question about recognising someone in a mall and then realising it is not the same person, saying:

“I would like to ask the witness. Have you ever been to a mall and seen someone you believed you knew, only to realise that this is not the same person?”

Scene evidence and testimony from security officer

A senior security officer from 24/7 Security Services in Sandton also gave evidence about the day Kluyts was discovered. He testified that upon arrival he noticed signs of a struggle, including ruffled grass, and that he heard a woman’s scream. He said he tried to look through trees and saw what resembled a woman’s knee and elbow.

Victim details and next steps

The court record states that Kluyts, who was 14 weeks pregnant at the time, was found near an embankment in George Lea Park after participating in a local park run. Her body was discovered hidden among bushes and with her clothing removed.

Judge Ian Cox questioned participants in court and directed parties on procedural matters before adjourning the hearing. The matter was postponed to Monday, June 8, when two more witnesses are expected to take the stand. The judge advised the defence to review the 212 report and to provide it to an expert the defence intends to call.

“I would suggest that you take time to go through the 212 report, give it to your father, who will then give it to the expert that you want to bring up to prepare themselves. The matter has been postponed to Monday, June 8,”