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Social media erupted on Tuesday after newly leaked photos of two Mamelodi women, who were shot dead over the weekend, began circulating online — sparking fierce debate over their lifestyle and how they lived.
The images, showing the cousins repeatedly posing with alcohol bottles in nearly every picture, triggered a flood of comments from users questioning their choices, overshadowing the brutal nature of their deaths.
“So the whole family doesn’t have one pic — just one — where they were not holding alcohol?” wrote one user, echoing the tone that dominated much of the reaction. Others joined in, making harsh remarks about the women’s drinking habits, while a few called for empathy and respect for the dead.
The victims, identified as Tshiamo Moramaga (21) and Baleseng Moramaga (22), were found dead early Sunday morning on Sompisi Street, Extension 17, Mamelodi East. Police said both women had sustained gunshot wounds to the head.
The discovery was made by residents who were walking to a nearby church. The scene, police said, suggested they may have been killed elsewhere and dumped by the roadside.
Their deaths have shaken the Mamelodi community — but the conversation online has taken a darker turn. Instead of sympathy, many users focused on the women’s social media posts, particularly their pictures with bottles of Heineken, Brutal Fruit, and Ice Tropez.
One commenter, identified as Busisiwe Maphosa, wrote: “May their souls rest in peace, but there’s no fire without smoke. Look at their pictures — bottles, not cups of tea. Men get jailed for killing, but we never ask why they did it.”
Another added: “They were too young for booze… every pic, there’s a bottle. Did they even finish matric?”
While some messages were openly cruel, others reflected deeper frustration with what many see as the glorification of alcohol culture among youth. “Booze and the streets don’t mix at all,” one user wrote. “This is what happens when you think every weekend is a party.”
Still, not everyone agreed with the judgmental tone. “They didn’t deserve to die,” wrote another user. “Whatever their lifestyle was, no one deserves to be shot like that. Let’s focus on finding the killers.”
Police have since opened a double murder investigation and launched a manhunt for the suspects. Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed that officers were called to the scene at around 6:15am after locals discovered the bodies.
“Both victims had visible gunshot wounds to the head,” he said. “No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are ongoing.”
For the family, the online mockery has added to their grief. The women’s mothers — Itumeleng and Maggie Moramaga — say they are shattered and cannot understand why people are attacking their daughters’ memory instead of helping the police find answers.
“I have two sons left, but my only daughter is gone,” said Itumeleng, holding back tears. “We want to know why they were killed. People can say whatever they want, but we just want justice.”
Neighbours described the cousins as inseparable — young women who loved music, dressing up, and taking pictures together. Tshiamo was studying beauty therapy, while Baleseng was training to become a teacher.
“They were always together,” said a friend who asked not to be named. “They liked taking selfies and going out, but that’s what every young person does. It’s heartbreaking to see people online judging them instead of showing compassion.”
Police sources say detectives are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby taverns and petrol stations in Mamelodi East. Investigators believe the pair may have been seen leaving a local hangout spot late on Saturday night before disappearing.
Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl online. Some users claimed — without evidence — that the women were killed over money or alcohol, citing unverified rumours about a “10-tawa” debt. Others believe it could have been a case of mistaken identity or gender-based violence.
Police have not confirmed any motive.
Community leaders have condemned the social media backlash, calling it a reflection of growing moral decay. “Instead of mourning the victims, people are dissecting their social media posts,” said activist Sibongile Mahlangu. “It’s cruel and dehumanising. We’re losing our empathy.”
Online, the debate has split users. Some argue the criticism is justified, saying it’s a warning to young people about lifestyle choices. Others insist that victim-blaming is unacceptable, especially when the killers are still at large.
“Give the ladies Heineken before they go to heaven,” one sarcastic comment read — a line that has since gone viral, drawing widespread condemnation.
By Tuesday evening, police had yet to make an arrest. SAPS urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app to submit anonymous tips.
As investigations continue, the Moramaga family is preparing to bury both women this weekend. The family says they are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy — and the cruelty of public reaction.
“Even in death, they’re being judged,” said Maggie quietly. “We just want peace. We just want to know who did this to them.”
For now, the questions remain unanswered — and two young lives are reduced to gossip threads and hashtags, lost somewhere between the search for justice and the noise of public opinion.
