Grief-stricken Marota family seeks justice

The late Kgaogelo Marota’s cousin, Boikgantso Kekana, has revealed that Marota endured months of abuse at the hands of her ex-boyfriend and sought help from police moments before her brutal murder last week.

The 20-year-old was allegedly stabbed to death outside a local tavern in Maubane Village, Hammanskraal. The suspect, Lazarus Lito Anthonio, later confessed to the crime on social media and remains in police custody.

Kekana, who was very close to Marota, described her tragic death as deeply painful and criticized the police for their apparent lack of urgency in responding to calls for help.

According to Kekana, when the family contacted the police to intervene, officers refused to remove the ex-boyfriend from the tavern, insisting he had the right to be there despite a protection order against him.

“On the day this happened, two police vans came. The first van’s drivers said they couldn’t move him because he just came to have fun. I wish they had taken us home instead,” Kekana said.

The family had long disapproved of the relationship due to the Anthonio’s abusive behaviour. Kekana recounted how he controlled Marota, including forcing her to prove she was home by shining a torch on her face through a window.

The Marota family says Kgaogelo’s mother has been left deeply traumatised by the brutal nature of her daughter’s death.

Family spokesperson and uncle, Zakes Seema, described the family’s grief and the mother’s fragile state.

“Truly speaking, it’s a very traumatic experience. Nobody is coping in the family, especially the mother. She isn’t well. Both parents are struggling with the situation. You can imagine the manner in which her life was taken — it has awakened a whole trauma. It’s really painful,” Seema said.

The 20-year-old’s friends say she often expressed fear that he would eventually take her life and regularly sought advice on escaping the relationship.

Marota’s friend, Katlego Magwai, said the ex-boyfriend isolated her from friends and sold her false dreams to win her over. Magwai recalled Marota’s desire to leave him after uncovering his manipulative and abusive behaviour.

“I remember once bumping into them at a party. I asked why she was still talking to him. She pulled me aside and said not to be surprised if I didn’t see her as often because he said her friends party too much. She also told me he still physically abused her even when she followed his rules,” Magwai said.

She however described her as a fun-loving person who always tried to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Another friend, Fikile Mangoane, called for justice, insisting the suspect should receive a life sentence.

“We can’t heal. If they release him, it will be too much for some of us. We don’t know who’s next. I am Kgaogelo’s friend, and at this point, I don’t even feel safe,” Mangoane said.

Meanwhile, the family held a memorial and candlelight service at their Themba home today to say their final goodbyes.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao