The man accused of killing Mamelodi cousins Tshiamo and Baleseng Moramaga has been officially identified as Tebogo Mnisi.
His name, which had been circulating on social media for days, could only be published after his first court appearance today when the charges were formally entered into the record.
Mnisi, aged 38, appeared before the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday morning where he was charged with two counts of murder, one of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
He is accused of shooting the Moramaga cousins, aged 21 and 22, in Mamelodi East on Sunday night after what police believe was a domestic dispute that turned violent.
Police confirmed that a third person, a male victim, survived the attack and remains in hospital.
Mnisi, who worked as a tavern bouncer, was arrested in Pretoria during a targeted police operation. Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit acted on a community tip-off that led to the arrest at a local petrol station.
“The suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm. He remains in custody and will face all charges in court,” Sibeko said.
Family members of the victims revealed that the two young women were inseparable. Tshiamo was studying to become a teacher, and Baleseng was training as a beauty therapist.
Their aunt, Maki Moramaga, said that Mnisi had been in a romantic relationship with Tshiamo and alleged that Baleseng was killed while trying to protect her cousin.
“The suspect was Tshiamo’s boyfriend. What I think happened is that Baleseng was trying to protect her, and that’s when he decided to kill them both,” she said.
Soon after the news of the killings spread, angry residents reportedly set fire to Mnisi’s home in Mamelodi East.
Police have not yet confirmed whether anyone has been arrested in connection with the fire. The incident has reignited anger over gender-based violence in South Africa.
Mnisi has abandoned his bail application and will remain in custody until his next court appearance, which has been set for 19 January 2026.
During proceedings, the courtroom was filled with Mamelodi residents who came to support the Moramaga family. Outside the court, community members held placards calling for justice and demanding that Mnisi face the maximum penalty if found guilty.
Police are still conducting ballistic tests to determine if the gun used in the killings is linked to other crimes in Pretoria.
