Family Seeks Justice After 19-Year-Old Gontse Mokgohloa’s Tragic Murder
The Mokgohloa family from Maubane, North West, is in deep mourning following the brutal murder of 19-year-old Gontse Mokgohloa. Gontse’s body was found under the Majaneng bridge in Hammanskraal, Tshwane, days after she went missing. Her family is left with many unanswered questions, as they seek justice for her untimely death.
### The Disappearance
According to her older sister, Kedibone Mokgohloa (31), Gontse disappeared on Sunday, 13 October 2024, after leaving home with a friend to visit an entertainment club in Hammanskraal. Gontse, who was a student at Nan Hua Performing Arts in Bronkhorstspruit, had always maintained regular communication with her family. However, this time, her sister noticed something was wrong.
“I last saw her online on WhatsApp around 7:30 am on Monday, 14 October. I messaged her asking, ‘Are you fine? Where are you?’ but there was no response, only one tick,” Kedibone recalled. Concern grew as hours passed without hearing from Gontse, which was highly unusual. By Tuesday, 15 October, Kedibone confided in her mother that she felt something was terribly wrong. “I told my mother that I felt like Gontse was no longer with us. My heart was heavy,” she said.
The Discovery
Tragically, the family’s worst fears were confirmed when they received the devastating news on Wednesday, 16 October, that Gontse’s lifeless body had been discovered under the Majaneng bridge. She had been brutally attacked—stabbed in the neck, strangled, and left naked. The family has been struggling to come to terms with her death ever since.
Kedibone, who had a close bond with her younger sister, is left heartbroken. “They’ve taken half of my heart away,” she said, tears streaming down her face. “Gontse was a loving and caring person. She used to let her friends stay over at our place whenever they couldn’t make it home. Now, she’s gone, and we don’t know why.”
The Family’s Plea for Justice
The family is now calling for justice for Gontse, with her mother, Sinah Mokgohloa (57), echoing their pain. “I’m devastated. I’ve lost my daughter, and we need justice. Whoever did this must be found and rot in jail,” Sinah said. Gontse’s aunt, Johanna Morometsi (69), also expressed her grief, stating that she had spoken with Gontse and Kedibone just before the tragedy. “I was expecting so much from her. She told me she wanted to visit me in December, but now she’ll never get the chance,” Johanna lamented.
Upcoming Memorial Service
In honor of Gontse’s memory, a candlelight vigil will be held at the spot where her body was found on Thursday, 24 October. A formal memorial service will follow on Friday, 25 October, with her burial scheduled for Saturday, 26 October at the Maubane Cemetery. The family has asked those attending to wear black T-shirts and blue trousers in remembrance of Gontse.
### Police Investigation
The Gauteng police have confirmed that a murder investigation is underway, but no arrests have been made. “As per the case number provided, this is a murder case, and we are actively investigating,” said Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi. However, the family is growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in the investigation.
### Community Support
In the wake of Gontse’s death, the family is also pleading for assistance, particularly with groceries and candles for the memorial service. The tragedy has left the Mokgohloa family not only emotionally shattered but also in need of community support as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.
As the family prepares to say their final goodbyes, they continue to seek answers and justice for Gontse, hoping that her killer will soon be found and held accountable.
