The Aubrey Tau Foundation has announced a donation of R250,000 to the family of two young women from Mamelodi East, Extension 17, who were brutally murdered over the weekend.
The victims, 22-year-old Tshiamo Moramaga and 21-year-old Baleseng Moramaga, were found shot dead on Sunday morning. A third victim was also injured during the incident and is currently recovering in hospital.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that a 38-year-old suspect was arrested at a petrol station in Pretoria and faces charges of murder and attempted murder. He is expected to appear in the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
The Aubrey Tau Foundation commended the South African Police Service for their swift response. Initially, the Foundation had offered a R250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. With the suspect now in custody, the Foundation decided to donate the same amount to support the victims’ grieving families.
“Whilst the amount will not bring back the young women who had bright futures ahead of them, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones,” said Aubrey Tau, CEO and founder of Moja Love. “We hope and pray that the NPA will swiftly ensure that justice is done in this matter.”
Tshiamo’s mother, Itumeleng Moramaga, said the family is shattered by the loss of both her daughter and niece. The two young women lived together in Mamelodi and were described as inseparable since childhood.
According to neighbours, gunshots were heard around 4am on Sunday following an argument between Tshiamo and her alleged boyfriend. The suspect reportedly shouted, “You will push me to make mistakes,” before the shots were fired.
Itumeleng described the heartbreaking moment she arrived at the scene to find her daughter and niece already inside a forensic vehicle. “I’m shattered because she was the only daughter I had. I don’t know what could have led to them being killed in such a brutal way,” she said through tears.
Tshiamo was studying beauty therapy, nails, and hair, while Baleseng was a third-year Bachelor of Education student at the University of South Africa (Unisa).
The devastated family is calling for justice. “Women and children are getting killed every day. We want the police to get to the bottom of this and find out what happened,” Itumeleng said.
The community of Mamelodi East has been left shaken by the tragedy, with many residents demanding stronger action against gender-based violence.
