TSHWANE, GAUTENG – The grieving aunt of Tshiamo and Baleseng Moramaga has spoken out against false and damaging rumours circulating on social media following the brutal murder of the two cousins in Mamelodi, Tshwane. The women were found shot dead on Sunday, 26 October 2025, outside a tavern in Mamelodi East, sparking widespread outrage and sorrow in their community.
According to reports, the tragedy unfolded after one of the cousins allegedly got into an argument with a man believed to be her boyfriend. The South African Police Service (SAPS) swiftly launched a manhunt, resulting in the arrest of a suspect hours later. The man was apprehended at a nearby petrol station following a joint operation involving multiple police units.
In the wake of the killings, social media users began spreading unfounded claims that the young women had been involved with men for money. These allegations have added further pain to an already heartbroken family. Maki Moramaga, the victims’ aunt, publicly condemned the rumours, calling them “disrespectful and cruel” to the memory of her nieces.
https://x.com/rayforexking/status/1982441583677972784?t=xiGUcv-o7_blXjdnjjo8kw&s=19
Speaking to Eyewitness News, Maki clarified that both Tshiamo and Baleseng were hardworking and respectable young women. “Tshiamo was a beautician who had built a name for herself in her community, and Baleseng was a third-year university student. They were focused on their futures and their goals,” she said. “People should stop spreading lies about them. These comments are hurtful and only deepen our pain.”
She added that the family is struggling to come to terms with the loss and is focusing on laying the two cousins to rest with dignity. Their funeral will take place in Lukai Village, Limpopo, where family and friends will gather to honour their lives and say their final goodbyes.
The story of the Moramaga cousins has struck a chord across South Africa, reigniting national conversations about gender-based violence and the dangers women face in domestic and social settings. Many have taken to social media to express condolences and condemn both the murders and the online harassment directed at the victims.
Gender-based violence remains one of the country’s most pressing issues, with activists urging authorities to strengthen protection mechanisms and ensure justice for victims. The Mamelodi incident adds to a growing list of tragedies that have devastated communities and families alike.
Police investigations into the case are ongoing, and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon. Meanwhile, Maki Moramaga has urged the public to respect the family’s grief and remember Tshiamo and Baleseng for who they truly were — ambitious, loving, and full of life.
As the family prepares for their burial, the Moramagas hope their story serves as a reminder to the public to verify facts before sharing harmful speculation and to stand united against both violence and victim-blaming.
About the Author
