A 38-year-old man accused of killing the Mamelodi cousins is expected to appear in the Mamelodi Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.
The man faces two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder following the deaths of cousins Baleseng Moramaga, 21, and Tshiamo Moramaga, 22.
The two young women were found dead last Sunday morning in Mamelodi East Extension 17, east of Pretoria, after being shot multiple times. Police said a third victim survived the shooting and is recovering in hospital.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, officers from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit and Mamelodi East detectives arrested the suspect at a petrol station in Pretoria after receiving a tip-off from community members. Sibeko confirmed that the man remains in police custody and will be formally charged when he appears in court.
Family members said the cousins were close and shared a deep bond. They grew up together in Lukau Village, Limpopo, before moving to Mamelodi in search of better opportunities. Tshiamo was studying to become a teacher, while Baleseng was training in beauty therapy.
The family’s aunt, Maki Moramaga, said the suspect was romantically involved with Tshiamo. She said she believes her niece’s cousin may have been killed while trying to protect her.
“The suspect was Tshiamo’s boyfriend. What I think happened is that Baleseng was trying to protect her sister, and that’s when he decided to kill them both,” she said.
Following the news of the murders, residents allegedly set fire to the suspect’s home, which is located just two streets away from where the cousins lived. Police have not yet confirmed whether anyone was arrested in connection with the house being burnt.
The double murder has drawn widespread public outrage. Many have linked the case to ongoing concerns about violence against women in South Africa. The Aubrey Tau Foundation announced a R250,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible and offered support to the victims’ families, including funeral and counselling assistance.
Aubrey Tau, founder of the foundation, said the organisation could not remain silent in the face of violence against women.
“Extreme violence against women in South Africa has been on the rise. It cannot be that young women are murdered in such a brutal and senseless way,” Tau stated.
Police investigations continue to determine the motive for the attack. Officers are also conducting ballistic testing to find out whether the firearm used is linked to other crimes in the area.
The accused is scheduled to appear in court at 09:00 SAST for his first hearing.
