A family in Mamelodi is reeling from heartbreak after two young women, Tshiamo Moramaga, 22, and her cousin Baleseng Moramaga, 21, were found shot dead early Sunday morning.
The tragedy unfolded in Mamelodi East, Extension 17, leaving their loved ones shattered and desperate for answers.
Tshiamo’s mother, 41-year-old Itumeleng Moramaga, described the moment her world fell apart. Speaking through tears, she said she received a call from her sister telling her something had happened to the girls. She rushed from her home in Tembisa, only to be met with the devastating news that both had been killed.
“When I arrived, they were already in the forensic van. I asked to see them… and when I did, I saw it was really them. They had been shot,” she said, her voice breaking.
Tshiamo and Baleseng had lived together in a rented room nearby. Neighbours told the family they heard an argument followed by gunshots around 4 a.m. Some said Tshiamo may have been arguing with her boyfriend before the shots rang out.
A message reportedly found on Baleseng’s phone showed the cousins had been texting shortly before the shooting. Tshiamo’s phone, however, was missing.
“They grew up together like twins,” Itumeleng said softly. “They went to crèche together, dressed the same, did everything together.”
Tshiamo had been studying beauty therapy and hairdressing, while Baleseng was a third-year education student at UNISA.
“She was my only daughter,” her mother said. “Now she’s gone, and I’m left with two sons. The pain I feel — I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, not even my worst enemy.”
The family has called for justice, urging police to find whoever is responsible for the brutal murders. “Women and children are being killed every day. We need answers. We need justice for them,” Itumeleng said.
Police confirmed that the two victims had died from gunshot wounds to the head and that a double murder case has been opened. The motive for the killings remains unknown.
As the investigation continues, the Mamelodi community has been left mourning two young lives taken far too soon — cousins who grew up inseparable, now gone together in a moment of senseless violence.