Pretoria: The Ministry in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has commended the swift arrest of a suspect linked to the killing of two young women in Mamelodi East, Pretoria. The victims, cousins Tshiamo Moramaga (22) and Baleseng Moramaga (21), were found with gunshot wounds in Mamelodi East Extension 17.
According to South African Government News Agency, police reports indicate that witnesses alleged the two women were seen arguing with a man known to them shortly before the shooting. They were later discovered lying next to each other on the side of the road, suffering from gunshot wounds to the head.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed the arrest of a 38-year-old man on charges of two counts of murder and one attempted murder. ‘The police investigation revealed that a third victim, who was shot during the incident, is receiving medical treatment at hospital. Acting on this information, a joint team consisting of detectives from Gauteng Provincial Serious and Violence Crime Unit, Provincial Crime Intelligence, and Mamelodi East Detectives arrested the suspect at a filling station in Pretoria,’ Sibeko said.
DWYPD Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga condemned the killings, labeling them as a ‘senseless act of violence that has once again robbed families, communities, and our nation of young lives filled with promise.’ She commended the South African Police Service for their rapid response and urged the criminal justice system to ensure justice is served without delay.
Minister Chikunga emphasized that the arrest is a crucial step towards justice for the victims and their families and serves as a reminder that accountability remains essential in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). The Ministry reiterated the need for a whole-of-society approach to eradicate GBVF, involving families, communities, faith leaders, civil society, and the private sector in collective efforts to protect women and children.
As the country approaches the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, the Ministry urges citizens to recommit to building safe, just, and dignified communities for all. ‘We extend our deepest condolences to the Moramaga family and friends during this time of unbearable grief. The lives of two young women have been cut short. Justice must be served – and our nation must never grow numb to such cruelty,’ Chikunga said.
The suspect is set to appear before the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 29 October 2025.