Mamelodi double murder accused to spend Christmas in jail after killing girlfriend and cousin

Double murder accused Tebogo Mnisi will spend Christmas behind bars after abandoning his bail application at the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Mnisi, 38, is accused of murdering cousins Tshiamo Moramaga, 22 and Baleseng Moramaga, 21, and injuring their friend Desmond in Mamelodi East Extension 17 on Sunday. He was arrested on Monday at a filling station after his pictures were widely shared on social media by members of the public.

According to police, a lead came from a younger relative of the cousins after one of the deceased sent a message shortly before the shooting, allegedly stating that “Tebogo” wanted to kill her.

Mnisi made his first court appearance on Wednesday and abandoned his bail application amid a large crowd of gender-based violence activists and community members who gathered outside court calling for no bail.

He faces five charges: two counts of premeditated murder, one count of attempted murder, possession of an illegal firearm, and possession of illegal ammunition. The case has been postponed to 19 January 2026 for further investigation.

The court heard that Mnisi has no previous convictions, no pending cases, and no outstanding warrants. He is reported to be a protector at a local establishment and runs a small car repair business. Mnisi told the court that he intends to use Legal Aid services.

The state told the court that the killings were premeditated. Prosecutors said Mnisi had made threats to kill one of the victims, Tshiamo, and later obtained a firearm illegally to carry out the murders. The state also confirmed that Mnisi does not own a firearm licence.

Inside the courtroom, relatives of the victims, activists, political party representatives, and members of the media filled the benches. Mnisi sat quietly throughout the proceedings, facing forward.

Outside court, Desmond’s sister spoke briefly to journalists, saying her family was still in shock.

“Desmond was shot at a sensitive area of the body. I suspect that Mnisi thought he had killed Desmond. God is there, he is alive and was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday. Later he complained again, so we had to rush him to another hospital. I am unhappy with the suspect, what if Desmond was unable to run to a health facility,” she said.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the case was postponed for further investigation.

“There are still a lot of outstanding investigations that must be done before the matter is trial ready. The accused is facing five charges: two premeditated murders, one attempted murder, possession of an unlawful firearm, and possession of unlawful ammunition,” said Mahanjana.

Outside the court, angry protesters sang and held up placards calling for justice and the return of the death penalty.

Mahanjana confirmed that one of the victims had been in a relationship with the accused and said the NPA is working to ensure the case is strong when it goes to trial. She added that matters connected with GBV are a priority.