Celebrity Breeze Bringing you fascinating stories
Related Articles
MAMELODI EAST, TSHWANE — The man accused of brutally killing cousins Tshiamo (22) and Baleseng Moramaga (21) appeared in the Mamelodi Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday — and broke down in tears as proceedings began.
The suspect, Tebogo Mnisi, sobbed uncontrollably in the dock, wiping his face as court officials read out the charges against him. His emotional breakdown, captured on video and widely shared on social media, left South Africans with mixed feelings — some expressing sympathy, others anger.
Mnisi faces two counts of murder, one of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition. He was arrested shortly after the cousins’ bodies were found near a tavern in Mamelodi East earlier this week.
According to police sources, the sisters had been out enjoying a night with friends before the tragic shooting. Eyewitnesses claim an argument broke out between Mnisi and one of the victims moments before gunfire erupted.
Both Tshiamo and Baleseng were fatally shot — one in the head, the other in the chest — and died at the scene. The shocking incident sent waves of grief and outrage across the country, sparking renewed conversations about gender-based violence and gun crime.
Courtroom Drama
During the brief court appearance, Mnisi appeared visibly shaken. His lawyer from Legal Aid South Africa informed the court that Mnisi had no prior convictions, no pending cases, and no protection orders against him.
As the charges were read out, Mnisi’s shoulders shook as he cried openly, prompting murmurs from the public gallery.
One onlooker whispered, “He’s crying now, but he didn’t cry when he pulled the trigger.”
Others, however, said his tears showed remorse. “You can see he’s broken. Maybe he regrets what he did,” said another observer outside court.
Mnisi abandoned his bail application, and the matter was postponed to 19 January 2025 for further investigation.
“He Must Face the Music”
Outside the court, a small crowd gathered holding placards that read #JusticeForTshiamoAndBaleseng. Family members of the slain cousins were visibly emotional as they exited the courthouse under police escort.
A relative, who asked not to be named, said the family is still in shock.
“We can’t sleep. We see their faces everywhere. They were so young, so full of life — now they’re gone,” she said tearfully. “He must face the music for what he did.”
The tragedy has left the Mamelodi community reeling, with many still replaying the disturbing videos that surfaced online of the cousins dancing happily in a nightclub just hours before they were killed.
Social Media Reactions
Mzansi was divided after watching the viral video of Mnisi crying in court.
On X (formerly Twitter), user @newslivesa posted the clip with the caption: “The man accused of killing the Mamelodi cousins breaks down in court.”
The post quickly spread, attracting thousands of views and heated debates.
Some South Africans said the emotional display was “too little, too late.”
“He should have thought of their families before taking their lives,” one user wrote.
Others expressed discomfort at how the video was being shared.
“We shouldn’t be humanising killers. Those girls didn’t get a chance to cry or explain themselves,” another comment read.
Still, a few voices called for compassion, saying everyone — even the accused — deserves a fair trial.
What Happened That Night
Police reports suggest that the incident took place outside a tavern in Mamelodi East, where the cousins had been partying with friends.
Witnesses say Mnisi — believed to be the boyfriend of one of the victims — confronted them after seeing them dancing with other men. A heated argument allegedly broke out, leading to gunfire.
The two women were pronounced dead at the scene. Mnisi was arrested hours later after being found hiding in a nearby house.
According to investigators, the firearm used in the killings was unlicensed.
Growing Calls for Justice
Community members and gender-based violence activists have called for tougher laws on gun ownership and domestic violence.
“These young women were living their lives, enjoying themselves, and now they’re gone,” said activist Nthabiseng Molefe. “We need to protect women before they die — not after.”
As the case continues, the country waits anxiously to see whether justice will be served.
For the Moramaga family, no courtroom tears or apologies will bring Tshiamo and Baleseng back.
“We don’t care if he cries,” a family member said quietly outside court. “Our girls are never coming home.”
