Sekhukhune Family Devastated by Brutal Murders of Two Daughters in Mamelodi
Mamelodi – The Moramaga family from Luckay, outside Groblersdal in the Sekhukhune area, are grappling with unimaginable grief following the brutal murders of their two daughters, Baleseng, 21, and Tshiamo, 22, in Mamelodi in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The sisters' lifeless bodies were discovered in Mamelodi East on Sunday morning, leaving the family and community in shock.
Edward Moramaga, the victims’ 65-year-old uncle, spoke of the family's devastation in an emotional interview. “We are devastated and dejected, and we still can’t believe that our girls are no more. They were promising young women, full of hope for a brighter future,” he said.
The sisters were pursuing tertiary education in Pretoria, a decision that now fills the family with profound sorrow. “When we sent these children to tertiary school in Pretoria, little did we know that we were sending them to their graves,” Edward Moramaga lamented.
He expressed the family's deep sense of injustice and loss. “Whatever they might have done to their murderer, they did not deserve to have their lives cut short in such a cruel manner. It’s not part of our African culture for old people to bury their children — it should be the other way round. The world has truly changed into something we no longer recognise.”
The family is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to finalise funeral arrangements, with the service likely to take place at the weekend.
Elias Motsoaledi local municipality mayor David Tladi has expressed his deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic incident. He conveyed his condolences to the Moramaga family and called for swift justice. "On behalf of the municipality, I extend our deepest condolences to the Moramaga family and everyone affected by this terrible tragedy," said Tladi. "The loss of such young lives in this brutal manner is heartbreaking and unacceptable. We call on law enforcement to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.”
The mayor also urged communities to stand united in the fight against gender-based violence and to support the grieving family during this incredibly difficult time.
In a significant development, a 38-year-old tavern bouncer, Tebogo Mnisi, has been arrested in connection with the murders of Baleseng and Tshiamo Moramaga, as well as the attempted murder of Desmond Senong in Mahube Valley Extension 17, Mamelodi East.
Police sources indicate that a WhatsApp message sent earlier by one of the victims had mentioned Mnisi by name. Following the murders, angry residents reportedly torched his house. Mnisi was apprehended at a Pretoria filling station and is expected to appear at the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court soon.
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that Mnisi faces charges of murder and attempted murder. He revealed that a third victim, Desmond Senong, was shot during the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.
The Aubrey Tau Foundation has stepped forward to offer support to the Moramaga family, announcing a donation of R250,000. The Foundation had initially offered the same amount as a reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Aubrey Tau, CEO and Founder of Moja Love, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family. "Whilst the amount will not bring back the young women who had bright futures ahead of them, we as the Foundation, Moja LOVE, DSTV 157, Moja LOVE, DSTV 158 ("Moja 99"), and all employees of the Channel would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones. We hope and pray that the NPA will swiftly ensure that Justice is done in this matter," said Aubrey Tau.
Tshiamo's mother, Itumeleng Moramaga, shared the family's profound heartbreak following the deaths of her daughter and niece (Baleseng being her sister's daughter). The community mourns the loss of these two young women, and the case highlights the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence in South Africa.
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