Man accused of killing Mamelodi East cousins abandons bail
A 38-year-old man, Tebogo Mnisi, arrested in connection with the murders of two young women in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, will remain in custody until next year January.
Image: Facebook
Tebogo Mnisi, the 38-year-old arrested in connection with the murders of two young women in Mamelodi East, Pretoria, made his first appearance in the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning.
Mnisi is charged with the murder of cousins Tshiamo Moramaga, 22, and Baleseng Moramaga, 21.
He opted to abandon his application for bail and will remain in custody until January 19, 2026.
The Mamelodi community turned out in numbers to support the grieving family of the two women.
Mnisi faces two counts of murder, attempted murder and possession of unlicenced firearm and ammunition.
The cousins were shot dead in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Mnisi was arrested at a petrol station in Pretoria on Monday morning.
A third person was also shot during the same incident and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Shock and anger have gripped the Mamelodi East community after two young women, Tshiamo and Baleseng Moramaga, were found shot dead on Sunday morning.
Image: Facebook
The motive for the killings remains unknown.
The victims mother called for justice following the young women's brutal deaths.
The Aubrey Tau Foundation has announced that it will donate R250,000 to the families of the two victims.
The foundation also praised the police for their swift response and arrest.
The Security Personnel Party of South Africa (SPPSA) has condemned the killings.
“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal murders of two young women over the weekend in Mamelodi,” said Sello ‘Shulas’ Mashula, the SPPSA chairperson.
“These senseless acts of violence are a stark reminder of the dangers and injustices that women and girls face every day.
“We stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of the victims and demand that those responsible be held accountable for their heinous crimes.”
Not In My Name International echoed similar sentiments, describing the murders as a painful reminder of the ongoing epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa.
“The story of Tshiamo and Baleseng, whose lives were full of potential, has been added to the devastatingly long list of women and girls who have been brutally killed,” said Themba Masango, secretary-general of the organisation.
“We are in a state of perpetual mourning, and we say, #NotInMyName.”
Masango urged the police to prioritise the investigation and increase visibility in the community.
“We reiterate our demand for significantly increased police patrols, particularly in high-risk areas and during high-risk times,” he said.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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