Heartbreaking Farewell: Daughter’s Emotional Plea at Ayabonga Mjilo’s Funeral

The funeral of 23-year-old Ayabonga Mjilo was a deeply emotional event marked by a heart-wrenching moment that left mourners in tears. Overcome with grief, her young daughter made a tearful plea during the service, sobbing, “Don’t leave me behind, Mama. Gogo hates me. Don’t bury my mom.” The child’s raw, emotional outburst captured the immense pain felt by her family and community as they bid farewell to Ayabonga.

Final Resting Place

Ayabonga Mjilo was laid to rest in her ancestral home in Hlokozi, located in southern KwaZulu-Natal. Her tragic and untimely death has sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving many heartbroken and demanding answers.

The young woman was allegedly murdered by her former manager, Mfanafuthi Kunene, who reportedly buried her body on his property in Amaotana, Durban. Kunene, now in police custody, is said to have confessed to the crime, further intensifying calls for justice.

Calls for Justice and Change

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, who addressed mourners at the service, called for a united front in combating gender-based violence. He emphasized the need for collective action from communities, traditional leaders, and civil society to address the scourge of violence targeting women and children.

Ntuli also outlined measures being implemented by the provincial government to curb such crimes, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in creating safer environments for vulnerable groups.

A Community in Mourning

The funeral brought together family members, friends, and neighbors, all united in grief and a shared resolve to ensure that Ayabonga’s tragic death becomes a catalyst for meaningful change. Her story has highlighted the devastating impact of gender-based violence, prompting renewed calls for justice and accountability.

As mourners gathered to lay Ayabonga to rest, her daughter’s tearful plea stood as a powerful reminder of the long-lasting pain caused by senseless violence. The community vowed to honor Ayabonga’s memory by advocating for a society where women and children can live free from harm.