A murder case that has gripped the Mamelodi community took another turn this week when murder accused **Tebogo Mnisi** abandoned his bail application in the **Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court**. Mnisi faces serious charges in connection with the brutal killings of cousins **Tshiamo and Baleseng Moramaga**, who were gunned down in Mamelodi East on Sunday.
The courtroom was tense as the prosecution outlined the accusations against Mnisi, revealing that he allegedly used an **unlicensed firearm and ammunition** to carry out the murders. He faces **five charges**, including two counts of murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, and a charge related to contravening firearm regulations.
According to police reports, Mnisi allegedly opened fire on the two young women following a heated argument. The incident has sent shockwaves through Mamelodi, a community already reeling from a string of violent crimes in recent months. Residents have taken to social media under the hashtags **#JusticeForBalesengAndTshiamo** and **#JusticeForAll**, demanding that justice be served swiftly and that gender-based violence be taken seriously.
During the court proceedings, Mnisi’s decision to **abandon his bail** was interpreted by many as an indication that his legal team may not have seen strong grounds for temporary release. Prosecutors are expected to use the coming weeks to strengthen their case, gather additional forensic evidence, and finalize witness statements.
State prosecutor **[Name withheld by court policy]** told the court that the state would oppose bail even if Mnisi had applied for it, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk that he might interfere with witnesses or flee. “The nature of the offence and the evidence collected so far make this a case where bail would not be in the interests of justice,” the prosecutor said.
The **Moramaga family**, still mourning the tragic loss of their loved ones, expressed relief that the suspect will remain behind bars while investigations continue. “We just want justice for our daughters. They didn’t deserve to die this way,” said a family spokesperson outside court.
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Community members, activists, and local organizations have since organized candlelight vigils to honor Tshiamo and Baleseng’s memory, calling for stronger protection for women and accountability for perpetrators of gender-based crimes.
The case has been **postponed to 19 January 2026** for further investigation. Until then, Mnisi will remain in custody as police continue piecing together what led to the fatal shooting.
The tragedy has reignited conversations around the availability of illegal firearms and the persistent problem of domestic and intimate partner violence in South Africa. Authorities have once again urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
As Mamelodi continues to mourn, the call for justice grows louder — a reflection of a community determined not to let Tshiamo and Baleseng’s deaths be forgotten.
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