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The landlady of two young women brutally killed in Mamelodi East has spoken out, describing the pair as respectful, well-behaved, and “like daughters” to her.
The victims, Baleseng Moramaga (21) and Tshiamo Moramaga (22), were cousins who lived together in a rented room in Mahube Valley Extension 17. Their lives were cut short in the early hours of Sunday, 26 October 2025, after an argument between one of them and her boyfriend allegedly ended in gunfire.
Their landlady, Johanna Mabena, said she is still struggling to come to terms with the loss. “They were such sweet girls. They cleaned their room, they greeted everyone politely, and I trusted them so much I even left my grandchild in their care,” she said. “Now the room is empty, and the silence hurts. I can still hear their laughter.”
“They Were Trying to Find Their Place in the World”
Mabena told Newzroom Afrika that Baleseng was the first to move in five months ago, looking for a quiet, safe place near her studies. A few weeks later, Tshiamo joined her.
“They were trying to find their place in society, you could see that,” she said. “They wanted better lives. They worked hard, studied hard, and loved each other deeply.”
The cousins were known to dress alike and were inseparable, often seen going to class or shopping together. “They behaved like twins,” Mabena recalled. “You couldn’t tell who was older. They were so close.”
The Night Everything Changed
The Mamelodi East community woke to horror that Sunday when the cousins’ bodies were discovered on Sompisi Street, just a few meters from their rented home.
Tshiamo had been shot in the head, and Baleseng in the chest. A third person who was with them survived and is being treated in hospital.
An eyewitness told reporters that one of the young women had been arguing with her boyfriend moments before the shooting. “We heard shouting, then gunshots,” said one resident. “When we came out, it was too late.”
Boyfriend in Custody
Gauteng police confirmed that a 38-year-old man, believed to be Tshiamo’s boyfriend, was arrested on Monday, 27 October, at a petrol station in Pretoria. He has been identified as Tebogo Mnisi, a well-known tavern bouncer in the area.
Mnisi faces two counts of murder and one of attempted murder. Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said Mnisi’s arrest followed a coordinated operation by the Gauteng Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit and Provincial Crime Intelligence.
“He will appear before the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 29 October,” Sibeko said.
Police are also investigating a WhatsApp message reportedly sent by Tshiamo hours before the attack, which read: “Tlaa go Tebogo ashuu wa actor moh” — loosely translated as “Come, Tebogo is acting up.”
“They Were My Children”
Mabena said she has been unable to sleep since the murders. She described seeing the victims’ parents arrive at the scene, broken and inconsolable.
“It was the most painful thing I’ve ever witnessed,” she said. “Their mothers couldn’t even speak. I had to call pastors to come and pray with them. It was too much to bear.”
Mabena said she will miss the cousins dearly. “They brought life to this house,” she said softly. “Every weekend, they’d play music, laugh, and chat with friends. Now, every time I pass their door, I remember that noise, that energy. It’s gone.”
South Africans Demand Answers
The murders have sparked outrage across the country, with many calling for a deeper investigation into the motive and for stronger protection of women.
On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed disbelief and heartbreak.
“Heartbreaking indeed,” wrote one user.
“What a sad story to end this year. But these things don’t happen in isolation,” another added.
“Who are these parents raising violent men? What are they teaching their sons?” asked one commenter.
Others cautioned against reducing the case to gender politics, noting that violence in relationships has become a broader societal issue.
“This case is not about men versus women,” wrote user @StegerZA. “It’s about relationships and mental health. Sometimes the signs are there from the start.”
“Another Video”
The tragedy deepened after a video resurfaced on social media showing Tshiamo and Baleseng dancing and laughing at a tavern hours before they were killed.
The clip, shared by a woman in Polokwane, showed the cousins recording themselves, carefree and happy. It has since gone viral, with thousands of South Africans mourning their final moments.
“Seeing that video broke me,” one viewer wrote. “They were full of life, not knowing what awaited them.”
A Nation in Mourning
The Soil of Africa Civic Movement has called for increased police visibility in nightlife areas and stricter control over firearm access.
“Every week, another woman dies at the hands of someone she knows,” spokesperson Thabo Machete said. “We are beyond angry — we are tired.”
Gender-based violence continues to be one of South Africa’s most urgent crises. Police statistics show that between April and June this year, more than 900 women were murdered, averaging 10 per day.
“We Want Justice”
The Moramaga family has called for justice and for the full truth to come out. “We don’t want rumours or silence,” said Itumeleng Moramaga, Tshiamo’s mother. “We want to know exactly what happened that night. Our daughters deserve that.”
As the investigation continues, police have urged the public to share any information through Crime Stop (0800 10111) or the MySAPS app.
For Johanna Mabena, the pain lingers. “I keep asking why,” she said. “Why them? They were good girls. They were loved. They didn’t deserve this.”
The once lively room the cousins shared now stands empty — a silent witness to two lives full of promise, cut short in the dead of night.
