Family of murdered Mamelodi cousins condemn harmful social media posts

October 29, 2025 183

The aunt of 22-year-old Tshiamo Moramaga and 21-year-old Baleseng Moramaga, who were fatally shot in Mamelodi over the weekend, has called on social media users to stop spreading false rumours and posting hurtful comments about them.

The Moramaga cousins were found dead and dumped on the side of a road, reportedly after a night out.

Thirty-eight-year-old Tebogo Mnisi, accused of killing the two women and injuring another male victim, 27-year-old Desmond Senong, briefly appeared in the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Their aunt, Nthabiseng Buthelezi, says it’s unfair for people to speak ill of her nieces, adding that some of the hurtful online remarks — many from women — are deeply painful.

Buthelezi says she is heartbroken by the comments circulating online — with some suggesting the young women were killed after refusing advances from a man who had bought them drinks during a night out.

Buthelezi has dismissed the social media claims, saying the girls were home moments before they were attacked.

She says her nieces were vibrant, ambitious young women who were building their futures.

Meanwhile, Senong’s family — who lost his friends in the same shooting — say the suspect should never be allowed back into society.

Senong was shot twice in the groin during a brief altercation with Mnisi and remains in recovery. His sister, Mpho Masingi, has called for stricter gun control laws.

“The way I am so hurt I wish the government could somehow help stop these guns that hurt our innocent children. Desmond is a good child. He doesn’t fight, argue, or even talk a lot. He loves jokes. He loves being around people,” says Masingi.

Senong’s older brother, Emmanuel, described the attack as deeply distressing and says Mnisi must remain behind bars.

“I wish they could give him three life sentences. I don’t even want to see him on the streets.”

Advocacy groups, regional political organisations, and community members gathered outside court in solidarity with the victims, calling for a life sentence and a death penalty for Mnisi, whose case was postponed to the 19th of January for further investigations.

Wearing a navy blue golf-shirt and black jeans, Mnisi spent most of his hearing with slouched shoulders and a dropped head, as though he was drenched in shame.

National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Lumka Mahanjana, says Mnini has been charged with five offences.

African National Congress (ANC) Tshwane convenor, George Matjila, says the killings are part of a disturbing rise in gender-based violence across the metro.

“Within a period of two months, about eight women have been killed in Tshwane. We are becoming a problem, we are becoming a capital of killings. Just last week in Bronkhorspruit a 21-year-old woman left a 7 months old baby after being shot and killed at a tavern. In Mamelodi another young woman was killed last week. It’s becoming a serious problem,” he said.

Kwanele Foundation founder, Sihle Sibisi, also condemned the murders and online victim-blaming, saying there is no excuse for gender-based violence.

She has condemned GBVF, saying there is no excuse for it— after some social media users appeared to blame the victims for their nightlife choices.

Sibisi also criticised government for being nonchalant about calls to declare the GBVF scourge a national crisis.

Some social media users are calling for him to remain behind bars.

I don’t understand why Tebogo Mnisi is crying…he had no conscience when he allegedly killed them

— Socially Penny 💫 (@Bonny_Swarez) October 29, 2025

This is going to be a landmark case. Every male must watch this case because it is going to save you.
Anyone close to this guy must advise him to tell it all. From day one.

Mamelodi East #MadlangaCommision #CarlingKnockout Tebogo Mnisi pic.twitter.com/x5Hbu4Jve9

— CATVIP (@ventparacat) October 29, 2025