Two Teen Suspects Arrested for Murder of 19-Year-Old Girl in Nelspruit
By:Nokulunga Lebambo
Two 18-year-old suspects, Katlego Mokoena and Lungelo Sithole, have been arrested and appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Lusanda Mathabela at Mattafin, Nelspruit, earlier this week.The tragic incident occurred on 3 November 2025, when police responded to a report of a residential burglary. Upon arrival, members of the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit, who were already on the scene, found Mathabela lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds. She was declared dead by emergency services.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly jumped over the wall of the property, where construction work was underway. Inside the house, they reportedly encountered the victim. When she screamed, one of the suspects allegedly stabbed her multiple times.Nearby construction workers heard the commotion and immediately contacted the homeowner, who is the victim’s father. On his way home, he met the POP Unit members, who then rushed to the scene and cornered and arrested the suspects.It has since emerged that one of the suspects was a former male friend of the victim. Both suspects have been charged with murder and remain in custody pending their next court appearance on 12 November 2025 for a formal bail application.
Police confirmed that one of the suspects is a Grade 12 learner, who is expected to write his matric examination while in custody.The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the brutal killing and commended the swift police response.“It is shocking that such a young girl, with a bright future ahead, was killed in such a brutal manner. We thank the construction workers for alerting the family, and we commend our members for their quick action. The suspects will face the full might of the law,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.
