Themba Masango Notinmyname international secretary general photo by Dimakatso Modipa
By Themba Masango
NotInMyName International Secretary General
NotInMyName International stands in profound grief and outrage at the brutal and senseless murder of two young women, cousins Tshiamo Moramaga (22) and Baleseng Moramaga (21).
They were shot dead in Mamelodi East, Tshwane, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
This horrific incident, where neighbours report hearing arguments preceding the gunshots, has left another two families shattered and a community reeling from the relentless violence against women .
This tragedy is a stark and painful reminder of the epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV) that continues to plague our nation.
The story of Tshiamo and Baleseng, whose lives were full of potential, is now added to the devastatingly long list of women and girls who have been brutally killed.
We are in a state of perpetual mourning, and we say, #NotInMyName.
We state unequivocally:
1.Solidarity with the Moramaga Family and Community:
Our deepest condolences go to the family, friends, and loved ones of Tshiamo and Baleseng.
We stand with you in this unimaginable pain and trauma.
We also stand with the community of Mamelodi East, which is once again forced to confront the terrifying reality that women are not safe in their own homes and neighbourhoods.
2.Demand for a Swift and Transparent Investigation:
We demand that the South African Police Service (SAPS) treat this case with the utmost urgency and priority.
A thorough and transparent investigation must be conducted to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and face the full might of the law.
We call for regular updates to be provided to the family and the public to ensure accountability in the process.
3.Call for Immediate, Visible Policing and Community Support:
The pattern of violence in Tshwane, specifically in areas like Mamelodi, requires an immediate and visible escalation of safety measures.
We reiterate our demand for:
·Dramatically increased police patrols, particularly in high-risk areas and during high-risk times.
·The activation of specialized units with expertise in gender-based violence and serial crimes to assist with the investigation.
·Adequate resources and psycho-social support for the affected families and the traumatized community.
4.Condemnation of Systemic Failure:
The murder of Tshiamo and Baleseng is not an isolated incident.
It is a direct manifestation of South Africa’s endemic GBV crisis, which reflects a systemic failure to protect women and decisively combat femicide.
We reiterate our call for the government to treat GBV as the national emergency it is, with commensurate resources, political will, and judicial consequences.
The women of Mamelodi and South Africa deserve to live without fear.
NotInMyName International will continue to monitor this situation closely, support the affected family, and hold authorities accountable.
We urge every resident to remain vigilant and report any information related to this crime to the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.
We demand justice for Tshiamo and Baleseng.
We demand safety for every woman.
We demand action NOW.
#JusticeForTshiamoAndBaleseng
#Mamelodi
#NotInMyName
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