TSHWANE, GAUTENG – The landlady of two young women who were brutally shot and killed in Tshwane has broken her silence following the arrest of a suspect linked to their murder. Baleseng Moramaga and her cousin, Tshiamo Moramaga, were gunned down on 26 October 2025 in what appears to have stemmed from a domestic dispute.
Johanna Mabena, who rented a room to the cousins, shared her grief and disbelief after learning about their deaths. She described the women as respectful, kind-hearted, and trustworthy tenants who had become like family to her. “They were good girls who treated me like their mother. I could leave my grandchild with them because I trusted them completely,” Mabena told *Newzroom Afrika*. “It’s painful beyond words. Their parents were inconsolable when they arrived. I even had to call pastors to comfort them because their grief was too heavy to bear.”
Mabena revealed that Baleseng was the first to move into her property about five months ago. Shortly after settling in, she invited her cousin Tshiamo to join her. The two young women reportedly shared a close bond, often dressing alike and spending time together. “They brought life to the place,” Mabena recalled. “Now, it’s just quiet. I’ll miss their laughter and the noise they made.”
According to witnesses, the tragedy unfolded after one of the cousins allegedly argued with her boyfriend. The confrontation quickly escalated, leading to the fatal shooting. The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested by the police, bringing a glimmer of relief to the devastated families and community members demanding justice.
The Moramaga cousins’ murder has sparked outrage and sorrow across social media platforms. Many South Africans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their condolences and frustration over the persistent violence faced by women. User Penelope Makala wrote, “Heartbreaking indeed.” Another, using the handle *He is free*, commented, “What a sad story to end this year. But these things don’t happen in isolation.”
Some online voices reflected on the broader societal issues behind gender-based violence. *ComradeCadre* asked, “Who are these parents raising generations of violent killer babies? What are they doing to their boys that makes them grow up to hate women?” Others urged the public not to reduce the issue to gender conflict alone. User *Steger* noted, “This is not just about men versus women. It’s about toxic relationships and the danger signs people ignore.”
In the wake of the murders, an old video of the cousins resurfaced on social media, showing them dancing and laughing together. The clip, which has since been deleted, deeply moved many South Africans, serving as a haunting reminder of two young lives cut short.
Police investigations into the case continue as communities in Tshwane and beyond call for justice for Baleseng and Tshiamo Moramaga. Their families, friends, and landlady are left mourning two young women whose futures were stolen in an act of senseless violence.
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