Lesego’s murder highlights GBV crisis

The family of 25-year-old Lesego Mutlwane from Naledi, Soweto, is mourning her brutal death and calling for justice after she was allegedly killed by her boyfriend during an argument last week.

According to family, the suspect, aged 27, allegedly stabbed Mutlwane once in the chest at his home on 29 October 2025. Paramedics arrived shortly after the attack but declared her dead at the scene.

Mutlwane leaves behind a three-year-old child. Her death has left her family and community heartbroken.

In the days following the incident, the suspect fled, prompting family and friends to share his pictures and name on social media in hopes of locating him. The posts spread rapidly across Facebook and X, with users expressing anger and frustration over yet another case of gender-based violence that claimed the life of a young woman.

Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed to South African Daily that the suspect has been arrested.

“The suspect was arrested on Friday and he is expected to appear before court on Monday,” said Nevhuhulwi.

Mutlwane’s mother, who was too distraught to speak at length, confirmed that a candlelight service will be held in her memory on 6 November 2025 at their home in Naledi Extension. A poster shared by family members describes her as “a dearest daughter, loving mother, beautiful sister and trusted friend.”

Her death has become another painful reminder of the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa, a crisis that continues to devastate families and communities.

According to police statistics, more than 12 women and three children are killed every day in South Africa. Between October and December 2022, more than 21,000 women and children were victims of attempted murder or serious assault.

Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative, recently issued a statement urging the country to act decisively against the rising tide of violence targeting women and children. “Such high levels of violence should never be accepted as a norm in society,” she said.

Mutlwane’s killing comes just days after another shocking incident that claimed the lives of two young women in Mamelodi. Cousins Tshiamo Moramaga, aged 22, and Baleseng Moramaga, aged 21, were shot dead last week. Their alleged killer, 38-year-old Tebogo Mnisi, appeared in the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody pending further investigation.

The cousins’ funeral in Limpopo over the weekend drew hundreds of mourners and renewed public outrage over the rising number of women who lose their lives at the hands of men they know.

Government has acknowledged the crisis and launched the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in an attempt to improve prevention, protection, and prosecution. However, many challenges persist, including poor coordination and limited funding.

Community members in Naledi say they are tired of seeing women’s lives cut short while perpetrators continue to harm others. Local activists are planning to attend Mutlwane’s candlelight service to show solidarity with her family and to call for stronger measures against abusers.

As her family prepares to say goodbye, Lesego’s story adds another name to the growing list of women killed in acts of domestic violence across the country.

For them, justice will mean not only seeing her killer held accountable but also ensuring that no other woman suffers the same fate.

Police have urged anyone experiencing abuse or violence to contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428 or send an SMS with the word “Help” to 31531.