A wave of grief has swept through Mamelodi East, Tshwane, after two young women — cousins Tshiamo Moramaga, 22, and Baleseng Moramaga, 21 — were found shot dead in the early hours of Sunday, October 26, 2025. Their families are devastated and calling for justice, describing the tragedy as a nightmare they wish on no one.
According to police, community members discovered the lifeless bodies of the two women on Sompisi Street, Mamelodi East Extension 17, around 6:15 a.m. Both victims had sustained gunshot wounds to the head. A double murder investigation has since been launched, but no arrests have been made.
For Itumeleng Moramaga, 41, the mother of Tshiamo, the pain is unbearable. “I wouldn’t wish this pain on anyone, not even my worst enemy,” she said tearfully. “She was my only daughter. Now I’m left with two sons and an empty space in my heart.”
Itumeleng received the devastating call from her eldest sister — the mother of Baleseng — who told her to rush to Mamelodi. “She didn’t say much, only that the kids got hurt. When I arrived, I found police and a forensic van. They were gone. I asked to see them, and when I did, I knew — it was my child and my niece. They had been shot.”
The cousins had shared a close bond since childhood. “They grew up together like twins,” Itumeleng recalled. “They went to crèche together, loved wearing the same clothes, and were inseparable. Losing them both at once feels like losing two daughters.”
Neighbours reported hearing an argument followed by gunshots at around 4 a.m. One neighbour allegedly heard Tshiamo arguing with her boyfriend shortly before the shooting. When police arrived, Tshiamo’s phone was missing, but a message found on Baleseng’s phone suggested they had been communicating minutes before their deaths.
The family is still searching for answers. “We don’t know what happened or why they were killed like that,” Itumeleng said. “They were kind, peaceful girls who had dreams. Tshiamo was studying beauty therapy — she loved doing nails and hair. She had just helped me install a weave on Friday before she left on Saturday. Baleseng was studying education at UNISA. She wanted to become a teacher.”
Tears streamed down her face as she spoke about her daughter’s future. “They both had so much life ahead of them. Now all we have are memories and questions. We want justice. Women and children are killed every day in this country, and it has to stop.”
Tshwane District police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed the case, saying, “The motive for this horrific incident is unknown at this stage. We urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Members of the public can contact SAPS Mamelodi East directly, use the MySAPS app, or call Crime Stop at 0800 10111.
As the investigation continues, the Moramaga family clings to hope that the killers will be found — and that their daughters’ souls will finally rest in peace.
