Justice for Ayabonga Mjilo: Family says decomposition made it difficult to identify her body

The family of Ayabonga Mjilo, a young woman tragically kidnapped and murdered, allegedly by her former manager, has shared their heartbreak over the condition of her remains, which made identification a painful process.

Mjilo went missing after attending a Christmas party on Durban’s bustling Florida Road. Days later, her lifeless body was discovered buried at the home of her former work manager, Mfanafuthi Kunene. Kunene has since been charged with her abduction and murder, leaving a community reeling in shock.

A Painful Goodbye

In the rural village of Hlokozi, family and friends gathered to bid farewell to Ayabonga in an emotional funeral service. Her brown coffin, draped in a soft pink blanket, was a somber centerpiece as mourners struggled to hold back tears.

Her brother, Mthe Mjilo, recounted the devastating experience of identifying Ayabonga’s decomposed remains.

Justice for Ayabonga Mjilo

“The most painful part was when we went to the mortuary, and we couldn’t locate the head because the body was decomposing,” he said. “As you can see today, the service was very short. It is a devastating matter.”

The tragic circumstances of Ayabonga’s death have left her family and friends grappling with the reality of her loss, describing it as an unimaginable ordeal.

The Role of Substance Abuse in Gender-Based Violence

The brutal murder of Ayabonga has reignited discussions about the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV) in KwaZulu-Natal and across South Africa. Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, who attended the funeral, emphasized the urgent need to address the root causes of GBV.

“Some of the other factors that the police are mentioning is the issue of alcohol and drug abuse,” said Ntuli. “Most of the incidents occur when people have been drinking together, and other incidents that we’ve collected from families involve drug use.”

The premier highlighted the critical role substance abuse plays in escalating tensions and fostering environments where violence thrives. He called for targeted interventions to curb alcohol and drug abuse as part of broader efforts to combat GBV.

A Community in Mourning

Ayabonga’s death has sent shockwaves through her community, where she was remembered as a hardworking and vibrant young woman. Her untimely death has also shed light on the vulnerabilities women face in workplaces and social settings.

Many who attended the funeral expressed their grief and anger, calling for justice to be served. “We are heartbroken. This is a loss not only for the family but for all of us who knew her,” said one mourner.

Calls for Systemic Change

The KwaZulu-Natal government has pledged to intensify efforts to tackle GBV, focusing on education, community support, and stricter enforcement of laws against perpetrators.

“Violence against women and children is a scourge we must confront with urgency,” said Ntuli. “This incident is a reminder that we must redouble our efforts to create safer environments for women in every aspect of society.”

Community leaders have also urged workplaces to implement robust policies that address harassment and foster a culture of respect and accountability.

Justice and Healing

As the investigation into Ayabonga’s murder continues, her family is left to navigate their grief and seek justice. They hope that Kunene, now facing charges for her disappearance and murder, will face the full extent of the law.

“Justice for Ayabonga is the least we can demand,” said a family spokesperson. “Her life was stolen from her, and we must ensure this does not happen to another woman.”

A Call to Action

Ayabonga’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in South Africa. It underscores the need for collective action to address the systemic factors that enable such atrocities, including substance abuse, inadequate law enforcement, and societal attitudes toward women.

As her loved ones lay her to rest, they call on all South Africans to honor her memory by standing united against GBV and fostering a culture of respect, safety, and justice for all.

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