HAMMANSKRAAL, SOUTH AFRICA | August 22, 2025 – South Africa is in shock after the brutal murder of 20-year-old Kgaogelo Nnonu Marota, who was viciously stabbed to death outside a tavern in Maubane village around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday. Her alleged killer? 26-year-old ex-boyfriend, Mfana Ngwenya — a man who, despite a protection order being issued against him, carried out a horrifying attack that has left the nation reeling.
A Systemic Failure Ignored
Family members revealed that Kgaogelo had taken legal steps to protect herself. Her father, Thabiso Seema, said Ngwenya had been stalking her for weeks and had even threatened to set her mother’s home ablaze with petrol. Despite these chilling threats, no effective intervention came, and the young woman’s life was tragically cut short.
“She was humble, respectful, and quiet. I didn’t even know she had a boyfriend,” Seema said, his voice breaking with emotion. “Throw away the key… that guy must never come out because he also went to attack another girl.”
A Bloody Rampage
According to police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, after killing Kgaogelo, Ngwenya rushed to his home and stabbed his current girlfriend multiple times. She miraculously survived the attack and is currently recovering in hospital.
Police acted quickly, apprehending Ngwenya early Friday morning in Carousel View, near Maubane.
A Chilling Confession on Facebook
Instead of fleeing or showing remorse, Ngwenya turned to social media to justify his crimes. In a haunting Facebook post, he wrote:“They may judge me, but you and I know the truth. You ruined us… RIP. I promised you till death do us apart… Will forever love you Mmamogashwa.” The suspect allegedly posted videos and photos related to the crime, causing further outrage and retraumatizing the victim’s family and friends.
Outrage During Women’s Month
The murder has sparked national anger, especially as it comes during Women’s Month, a time meant to celebrate and empower women. Sabrina Walter, founder of Women For Change, condemned both the act and the dissemination of graphic content: “Filming her lifeless body and posting it online is retraumatising grieving families and communities. It is deeply disrespectful and disturbing that violence against women continues at this scale.”
Justice in Motion
Ngwenya is now in custody and is expected to face charges of murder and attempted murder when he appears in the Temba Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 25. Community members, activists, and the victim’s family are calling for the harshest possible sentence.
“This man is dangerous to society,” said Seema. “He must never come out.”
