Nelspruit Teenager Lusanda Mathabela Passes in Home Stabbing Incident
In the quiet community of Mattafin, located in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, grief has settled heavily following the tragic death of 19-year-old Lusanda Mathabela. The heartbreaking incident occurred on the evening of November 3, 2025, when Lusanda was found fatally stabbed inside her family home. Police and emergency responders arrived quickly after neighbors reported screams and a disturbance, but despite every effort, Lusanda was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators from the South African Police Service (SAPS), it appears the suspects gained access to the home by climbing over a boundary wall before attacking the young woman. Workers from a nearby construction site reportedly heard the commotion and alerted Lusanda’s father, who rushed home only to find that the unimaginable had already occurred. Early evidence suggests the attack may not have been random, as one of the suspects is believed to have known Lusanda personally.
Two male suspects, aged 18 and 19, were taken into custody within hours of the discovery. Both appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on November 5, where they faced charges related to Lusanda’s death. One of them is said to be a Grade 12 learner, who was supposed to begin his final exams that week. The court postponed bail hearings to November 12 to allow investigators more time to collect forensic evidence and witness statements.
Lusanda’s father, a well-known Ligwalagwala FM radio presenter, was reportedly away at work when the incident occurred. Her grandmother, still visibly shaken, told local media that the family found Lusanda in a horrific state, saying, “She was attacked as if they were slaughtering a cow.” The brutality of the assault has left the family and the entire community in disbelief and mourning.
Friends and relatives describe Lusanda as a vibrant, loving, and compassionate young woman whose bright spirit drew people in. She had recently completed high school and was exploring opportunities for further study. Her mother shared that Lusanda had once mentioned concerns about an ex-boyfriend who had been contacting her persistently online, but there were no formal reports of threats or harassment made to police prior to the tragedy.
The crime scene on Peters Lane in Mattafin remained active well into the next morning as forensic teams combed through the house and surrounding property for evidence. Detectives collected fingerprints, DNA samples, and security footage from nearby properties in hopes of understanding how the attackers gained entry and fled. Investigators are now focusing on digital communications and any social-media interactions that might shed light on a possible motive.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Mattafin community has come together to support the Mathabela family. Neighbors have held nightly candlelight vigils outside the home, laying flowers and messages of love in Lusanda’s memory. Her classmates and church group have spoken about her kindness, her deep faith, and her constant encouragement to those around her.
Community leaders and activists have also renewed calls for stronger measures against gender-based violence, pointing out that Lusanda’s death is another painful reminder of the dangers many young women face, even within their own homes.
The Mathabela family issued a brief public statement expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support while asking for privacy as they mourn their daughter. “Lusanda was light,” her father said softly. “She gave more love than most people give in a lifetime. Now we just want justice and peace.”
In summary:
On November 3, 2025, 19-year-old Lusanda Mathabela was tragically attacked and passed away in her home in Mattafin, Nelspruit. Two young male suspects remain in custody and are expected to reappear in court later this month. The investigation continues as the community grieves and demands justice for a young woman whose promising future was stolen far too soon.
#JusticeForLusanda #MattafinStrong #EndGenderViolence