Civic groups call for GBV state of emergency after brutal killing of Pretoria woman

October 20, 2025 121

Friends of Tshegofatso Ndebele, who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, are calling for the death penalty saying the brutal nature of her death has left them devastated.

They were among community members and civic organisations gathered at the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where the 43-year-old Pretty Phetedi made his first court appearance.

Ndebele was allegedly beaten to death by her boyfriend after a night out nearly two weeks ago. Her bruised and lifeless body was discovered days later by family members in the suspects room in the Matebeleng section, in Pretoria.

Her body was found covered with a blanket, in what police described as a disheveled and unhygienic room. Some reports say she suffered broken limbs, indicating the extent of the assault.

Ndebele’s friends described her as a bright, selfless, and loving young woman, whose death has left a gaping hole in their lives.

The 31-year-old was due to graduate from UNISA next month — a milestone her friends say she had worked hard to achieve.

“He should get the death penalty and be put on death row because it will be too convenient for him in jail. He will get food, be able to bath and continue with his life, while we are out here crying for our sister. In fact, if the community had gotten hold of him, they were going to kill him,” said one friend.

Friends and relatives report that Ndebele had recently got a protection order against Phetedi.

Her brother, Sandile Ndebele, says he repeatedly warned the family about her abusive partner and is now calling on families to pay closer attention to the signs of domestic abuse.

It has emerged that Phetedi was out on parole for a previous murder conviction from 2010. He was sentenced in 2014 to 12 years in prison and later released on parole — but his victim’s family says they were never informed of his release.

Goitsemang Moeng, the sister of Gontse Rabodiba, Phetedi’s first known victim, says the justice system failed her family.

An emotional Moeng said her brother’s killing, has left her family shattered, denouncing the fact that his killer was let back into society. She said 20-year-old Gontse Rabodiba, who at the time of his murder was close friends with Phetedi, was fatally shot execution style and the motive is still unknown.

Moeng says Phetedi should be given at least five life sentences.

The case has sparked renewed calls for the justice system to take gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) seriously.

SANCO (South African National Civic Organisation) chairperson Goitsemang Sindane says the organisation will launch a petition opposing bail for Phetedi.

“We are urging the justice system not to fail us on this one. We are pleading with the court not to grant him bail. As SANCO we stand by our words that Phetedi must not get bail. We want to see justice for Tshegofatso Ndebele prevail,” said Sindane.

President and founder of Dipeu Tsa Tshwane civic movement, Samuel Masilela, has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane to declare the violence against women, a national emergency.