Mamelodi East Double Murder
In a swift turn of events that has brought some relief to a grieving family and shocked community, Gauteng police have arrested a 38-year-old man linked to the brutal double murder of two young cousins in Mamelodi East, Tshwane. The suspect, identified as Tebogo Mnisi, faces charges of two counts of murder and one of attempted murder after the execution-style shooting of Tshiamo Moramaga, 22, and Baleseng Moramaga, 21, on a quiet street early Sunday morning. This tragic case highlights the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa, with calls for justice echoing from family members and residents alike. As the nation grapples with rising femicide rates, this arrest underscores the role of community tips and social media in cracking tough cases.
The Chilling Details of the Incident
The horror unfolded in the early hours of 26 October 2025, around 4am, on Sompisi Street in Mamelodi East Extension 17, also known as Mahube Valley. Neighbours reported hearing heated arguments followed by gunshots that shattered the pre-dawn silence. Witnesses described hearing one of the victims, believed to be Tshiamo, pleading with someone: “Please leave me alone, you will make me make a mistake.” Shortly after, two gunshots rang out, and the cousins were left lifeless on the roadside.
Community members stumbled upon the bodies around 6am, prompting a quick response from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Mamelodi East station. Officers arrived at 6:15am to find the young women, who had been shot in the head at close range, lying next to each other. The scene was described as execution-style, sending waves of fear through the township known for its tight-knit families but also plagued by crime.
Adding to the tragedy, a third victim—a young woman who was with the cousins—was also shot during the attack but survived. She is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital, and her account has reportedly helped investigators piece together the events. Police believe the incident may have stemmed from a dispute after a night out, with neighbours suggesting the argument involved an alleged boyfriend of one of the victims. One of the victims’ cellphones was missing, possibly stolen, while a message on the other’s phone showed they had been communicating just before the shooting.
Background on the Victims: Dreams Cut Short
Tshiamo and Baleseng Moramaga were more than just cousins—they were inseparable, often described by family as growing up like twins. They shared everything from childhood crèche days to matching outfits, and in adulthood, they rented a room together in Mamelodi while pursuing their ambitions.
Tshiamo, 22, was a budding beauty therapist specialising in nails and hair. She had visited her mother just days before, on Friday, to install a weave ahead of a family function, leaving on Saturday with plans for the future. Baleseng, 21, was a dedicated third-year Bachelor of Education student at the University of South Africa (Unisa), dreaming of becoming a teacher to inspire the next generation. Their close bond made the loss even more devastating for their family, who never imagined such a brutal end to their young lives.
The cousins had reportedly been out enjoying the night when the altercation occurred. Some community whispers suggest the suspect, a tavern bouncer, may have bought them alcohol as part of the evening’s events, but this has not been confirmed by police. What is clear is that their promising futures were tragically snuffed out in a moment of senseless violence.
Swift Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Acting on a tip-off, a joint team from the Gauteng Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit, Provincial Crime Intelligence, and Mamelodi East Detectives moved quickly to apprehend the suspect. Tebogo Mnisi, 38, was nabbed on 27 October 2025 at a filling station in Pretoria, marking a breakthrough just a day after the murders. Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed the arrest, noting the third victim’s survival provided key leads.
Mnisi is set to appear in the Mamelodi Magistrates’ Court on 29 October 2025, where more details may emerge about the motive. Investigators are probing whether the shooting was linked to a personal dispute, possibly involving jealousy or a relationship gone wrong. Social media played a pivotal role in keeping the case in the spotlight, with users sharing pleas for justice and helping amplify calls for tips that led to the arrest. In a show of community support, the Aubrey Tau Foundation offered a R250,000 reward for credible information leading to an arrest, highlighting how public pressure can aid law enforcement.
A double murder docket has been opened, and police are urging anyone with more information to come forward to ensure a watertight case. Tshwane district police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk earlier confirmed the initial response, emphasising the need for thorough detective work in such heinous crimes.
Family’s Heartbreak and Calls for Justice
The Moramaga family is reeling from the loss. Itumeleng Moramaga, 41, Tshiamo’s mother, was at home in Tembisa when she received the shattering call from her eldest sister, Baleseng’s mother. Rushing to the scene, she arrived to find her daughter and niece already in a forensic vehicle, their bodies bearing the marks of a ruthless attack.
“I’m so hurt. I’m shattered because she was the only daughter I had. I’m now left with two sons,” Itumeleng said through tears. She struggled to fathom the brutality, adding, “I don’t know what happened, or what could have led to them being killed in such a brutal way, especially while they were together.” The family demands answers, with Itumeleng stating, “We want justice for them. Women and children are getting killed every day. We want the police to get to the bottom of this and find out what happened.”
The pain is raw, as she recalled their close-knit upbringing: “They grew up together like twins. They went to crèche together, and they even loved wearing the same clothes since childhood.” The family never expected such tragedy, and the mother emphasised, “The pain I am feeling now, I can’t even wish for my enemy.”
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