My Heart Has Been Torn Out’: Radio DJ Given Mathabela Mourns Murdered Daughter Lusanda
Ligwalagwala FM radio presenter Given Mathabela is mourning the tragic and brutal death of his 19-year-old daughter, Lusanda Hope Mathabela, who was murdered at their home in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, on November 3, 2025.
The grieving father shared a deeply emotional open letter on social media, expressing his pain, disbelief, and sorrow at losing his only child in such a horrific manner.
“My heart feels like it has been torn out of my chest,” Mathabela wrote. “The pain of losing you is deeper than anything I have ever known. I keep thinking this can’t be real — that any moment you’ll walk through the door and say ‘Appa’. But I know you won’t, and that truth is unbearable.”
Suspects Arrested
According to Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga police, two suspects — Katlego Mokoena (18) and Lungelo Sithole (18) — were arrested and appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on murder charges.
Police responded to a burglary report at the Mathabela residence and arrived to find Lusanda lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds. “Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects entered the property by jumping over a wall where construction work was taking place. They encountered the victim inside the house, and when she screamed, one of the suspects allegedly stabbed her,” said Ndubane.
Construction workers nearby heard the commotion and alerted Lusanda’s father, who rushed home but was met with the devastating sight of his daughter’s lifeless body.
Both suspects remain in custody, with the case postponed to November 12 for a formal bail application. Police also confirmed that one of the suspects is a Grade 12 learner, expected to write his final examination while in detention.
A Father’s Apology and Tribute
In his heartfelt letter, Mathabela apologised to his daughter for not being there to protect her, describing the pain as unbearable.
“I am so sorry, my child. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you. Sorry that you were brutally stabbed by someone you trusted, someone who was no stranger to you. You didn’t deserve to die like this. You deserved safety, peace, and happiness, and it breaks me that the world failed to give you that.”
The devastated father expressed how he would have given his life to save hers.
“If I could trade places with you, I would — without a second thought. Every part of me aches wishing I could have been there in that moment to shield you, to stop the pain. I would have done anything to save you.”
Remembering Lusanda
Mathabela described Lusanda as a radiant, loving, and joyful young woman, whose presence filled every space with light and laughter.
“You were such a light in my life — my joy, my laughter, my reason to keep going. I will never forget how you cared for everyone, how you loved so purely. I will never let your light fade.”
The radio DJ concluded his tribute with a message of eternal love and peace.
“I hope you can hear me somehow. I hope your soul has found peace — free from fear, free from pain. I will always love you, my baby girl.”
As the case proceeds, the nation mourns with Given Mathabela, whose heartbreaking message has struck a chord with South Africans amid ongoing outrage over gender-based violence and femicide in the country.