Gqeberha, Eastern Cape – The community of Gqeberha is reeling from the devastating loss of Lisakhanya Labi, 21, and Monalisa Ojoni, 20, who were laid to rest this past weekend after a horrific act of gender-based violence that has reignited national outrage. The two friends were fatally shot on July 18, 2025, by off-duty police officer Godfrey Tholane Seleke, 31, in a tragedy that underscores South Africa’s ongoing crisis of domestic violence.
The incident unfolded in Central, Gqeberha, when Seleke, Labi’s former boyfriend, arrived at her residence in an emotionally volatile state, unable to accept the end of their relationship, according to authorities. Witnesses reported that Seleke entered the home and opened fire, killing Labi and Ojoni instantly before turning the gun on himself. He died shortly after from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The senseless deaths have left the community in shock and mourning. Lisakhanya and Monalisa, described by friends as vibrant and full of promise, were taken in an act that Women For Change, a women’s rights organization, called a “brutal betrayal.” The fact that Seleke, a trained law enforcement officer, used his service weapon has sparked intense scrutiny and renewed calls for reform within the South African Police Service (SAPS)
This is a profound failure,” said Thando Mbeki, a local community leader. “A police officer, entrusted to protect, instead used his authority to destroy lives. We need accountability, stricter firearm controls, and urgent action to address gender-based violence.”
Investigations revealed that Seleke and Labi had recently ended their relationship, with friends noting Seleke’s increasingly possessive and erratic behavior post-breakup. Despite these warning signs, no formal complaints were filed, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of early intervention systems for domestic violence. Colleagues of Seleke later admitted he had been “volatile” in recent weeks, yet no steps were taken to limit his access to his service weapon or mandate a psychological evaluation.
The use of a police-issued firearm in the attack has intensified debates over gun control and the mental health screening of law enforcement officers. Activists argue that this tragedy highlights systemic issues within SAPS, including inadequate oversight and support for officers exhibiting concerning behavior. South Africa’s epidemic of gender-based violence, with police officers too often implicated, has prompted renewed demands for structural reforms, improved mental health resources, and stronger legal protections for women.
As the families of Lisakhanya Labi and Monalisa Ojoni grieve their unimaginable loss, their deaths have galvanized communities nationwide to demand an end to the cycle of violence. Advocacy groups are calling for comprehensive changes to prevent such tragedies, from enhanced domestic violence reporting mechanisms to stricter oversight of law enforcement. The nation mourns not only the loss of two young lives but also the persistent failures that allowed this tragedy to unfold.
