Baleseng Moramaga’s bravery was in vain — she was allegedly shot for standing by her cousin Tshiamo’s side during a night that began with laughter and ended in tragedy.

Two young women from Mamelodi East, cousins Baleseng and Tshiamo Moramaga, were killed in what police describe as a “domestic-related double murder” that has sent shockwaves through the township.
Their alleged killer, Tebogo Mnisi, appeared briefly before the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on 29 October, charged with two counts of murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He abandoned his bail application.
But behind the court papers lies a chilling story of love, jealousy, and violence.
A Night of Dancing Turns Deadly
Just hours before their deaths, videos circulating on social media showed the Moramaga cousins dancing joyfully at a local club. In the clips, the pair can be seen surrounded by friends and strangers, laughing, sipping drinks, and moving to the beat — unaware that their final moments of freedom were being recorded.
In one of the videos, a man in a green cap appears to make a subtle warning gesture toward the women — a gesture that many online now believe was an attempt to signal danger.
Moments later, according to witnesses, an argument reportedly broke out between Tshiamo’s boyfriend, Mnisi, who worked as a tavern bouncer, and one of the men seen dancing near the cousins.
What happened next remains under investigation, but within hours, gunshots shattered the peace of Mamelodi East. Tshiamo was shot in the head, and Baleseng, who allegedly tried to shield her cousin, was struck in the chest. Both died before help could arrive.
A Relationship in Turmoil
Family members claim Mnisi and Tshiamo had been in a troubled relationship marked by jealousy and control. According to their aunt, Maki Moramaga, Tshiamo had tried several times to distance herself, but Mnisi allegedly refused to let go.
“It wasn’t the first time they fought,” Maki told reporters. “She wanted to live her life, but he didn’t want to see her with anyone else. Baleseng died because she tried to protect her cousin.”
When word of the shooting spread through the township, residents reacted with anger. Within hours, Mnisi’s house in Mamelodi East was torched, a sign of the community’s outrage at yet another act of gender-based violence.
Court Appearance and Public Reaction
In court, Mnisi appeared emotionless as the charges were read out. The State confirmed that he faces a minimum sentence of life imprisonment if found guilty. His next appearance is set for 19 January 2026, when the case is expected to move to the Pretoria High Court.
Outside the courtroom, community members and activists gathered holding placards reading “Justice for the Moramagas” and “No More GBV.”
Online, South Africans voiced their anger and exhaustion over yet another case of young women losing their lives at the hands of men they trusted.
“Nobody owns anybody,” wrote one commenter. “We all have a right to live. Killing someone because you can’t let go is evil.”
Another added, “By next week, people will move on, and yet more women will die. It’s a cycle we never break.”
Others pointed to alcohol, jealousy, and anger as the deadly mix behind many of these killings. “Alcohol is a drug,” one man commented. “With emotions, it becomes dangerous. Men need to learn to walk away.”
Social Media Buzz and Unanswered Questions
The videos of the cousins dancing — now viral — have become painful reminders of how quickly joy can turn to tragedy.
“Look at how happy they were,” wrote one woman on Facebook. “How can someone take away that light?”
Theories have swirled online about what triggered Mnisi’s rage that night. Some suggest he felt humiliated seeing Tshiamo dance with other men, while others believe there was more to the argument — possibly linked to long-standing issues in their relationship.
Forensic experts and detectives are piecing together the timeline from that evening, reviewing CCTV footage from the tavern and analyzing ballistic evidence.
A Familiar Tragedy
The Moramaga cousins’ deaths have reignited national debate over gender-based violence and the toxic patterns of possessiveness that too often end in bloodshed.
According to the South African Police Service, more than 1,100 women were murdered by intimate partners last year — a staggering reminder of the country’s ongoing crisis.
“What happened to Tshiamo and Baleseng is not new,” said a local activist. “We see it every weekend — men who can’t take rejection, who feel entitled to a woman’s life. Until that changes, this won’t stop.”
The Final Moments
As investigators continue their work, what remains most haunting are the final images of the Moramaga cousins — laughing, carefree, and alive.
Their deaths have left Mamelodi East grieving and searching for answers. A once-vibrant friendship between two young women now stands as another symbol of South Africa’s struggle against domestic violence and male rage.
“She died because she loved too much,” said their aunt quietly. “She stood by her cousin, and for that, she paid with her life.”
Mnisi remains behind bars as the nation demands justice for Tshiamo and Baleseng Moramaga — two young women whose last dance has now become a national tragedy.
Celebrity Breeze Bringing you fascinating stories