Nineteen-year-old **Martha Moyo** was laid to rest on Saturday, 22 November, in an emotional ceremony held in Kekana Gardens, Hammanskraal. Family, friends, neighbours, and members of the broader community gathered at the Kekana Gardens Cemetery to bid farewell to the young woman whose tragic death has left the community in mourning and calling for justice.
Martha was found brutally murdered and burnt inside an abandoned shack in Kekana Gardens on Friday, 24 October. Her death sent shockwaves through Hammanskraal, prompting an outpouring of grief and anger over gender-based violence and unsafe living environments affecting young women and girls.
The funeral service was marked by sorrow, prayer, and heartfelt tributes as mourners offered support to her grieving family. Pastors and church members comforted those gathered with scripture, reminding them to seek strength through faith during this painful time.
Martha’s grandmother, **Maria Mabusela**, delivered an emotional message, expressing both her devastation and her desire for answers. *“I’m begging you for one thing: please look for the person who killed you. I trust you. Fight for yourself. Martha, you are no longer with us,”* she said through tears, capturing the family’s deep anguish and unresolved questions.
Her grandfather, **Wilson Mbewe**, echoed the family’s sorrow, saying simply: *“We are in great pain.”*
Speakers who knew Martha personally described her as a sweet, warm and loving young woman. **Thembisile Maphosa**, her Sunday school teacher from New Living Christian Church, remembered her bright presence and beautiful smile.
Martha’s former deputy principal at Hammanskraal Secondary School, **Millicent Madileng**, reflected on the special bond she shared with her. Madileng explained that Martha often struggled with personal challenges, yet found comfort visiting the office, sometimes multiple times a day, seeking reassurance and healing. *“She was just like my kid,”* Madileng said. *“Because she felt humiliation in class, the office was a better place.”*
Neighbours and friends also paid tribute. **Zandile Mosia** described Martha as a devoted worshipper who loved singing with other children at home. A family friend, **Maggy Manganye**, encouraged Martha’s mother, **Evelyn Moyo**, to lean on faith despite her grief. *“Please, Evelyn, don’t get angry but have pain so that God can heal you,”* she advised.
Fifteen-year-old schoolmate **Athalia Mmushi** remembered Martha as someone who always wanted to spread joy. *“If she was happy, everyone must be happy,”* she said.
There were also strong calls for justice. School governing body representative **Velly Ledwaba** urged the community to stand together, saying, *“Enough is enough. It’s high time we fight for these kids’ justice.”*
Hammanskraal CPF chairperson **Reward Shadung** voiced outrage at rising rape cases in the area and questioned why the abandoned shack where Martha was found had not been demolished. *“We want these abandoned shacks to be removed,”* he said.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson **Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi**, the murder case remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made.
Martha’s funeral not only honoured her memory but also renewed calls for urgent action to protect vulnerable women and ensure justice is served. Her community now waits for answers, determined that her life—and her tragic death—will not be forgotten.
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