The Mokgohloa family from Maubane, North West, is engulfed in sorrow following the tragic murder of 19-year-old Gontse Mokgohloa.

Her lifeless body was discovered under the Majaneng bridge in Hammanskraal, Tshwane, just days after she went missing, leaving her family grappling with the pain of loss and a desperate search for answers.

The Disappearance

Gontse’s disappearance on Sunday, October 13, 2024, marked the beginning of an agonizing ordeal for her family.

She left home with a friend to visit an entertainment club in Hammanskraal, a routine outing that quickly turned into a nightmare.

Gontse, a dedicated student at Nan Hua Performing Arts in Bronkhorstspruit, was known for her consistent communication with her loved ones.

However, this time, her older sister, Kedibone Mokgohloa, sensed something was amiss.

“I last saw her online on WhatsApp around 7:30 am on Monday, October 14.

I messaged her asking, ‘Are you fine? Where are you?’ but there was no response, only one tick,” Kedibone recounted.

As hours passed without any word from Gontse, concern turned to dread, and anxiety filled the hearts of her family members.

By Tuesday, October 15, Kedibone confided in their mother, expressing her deep fears that something terrible had happened to her sister.

“I told my mother that I felt like Gontse was no longer with us. My heart was heavy,” she shared, revealing the emotional turmoil that gripped her.

The family’s worry intensified as they realized Gontse’s silence was entirely out of character, heightening their sense of urgency.

The Discovery

The family’s worst fears were confirmed on Wednesday, October 16, when they received the devastating news that Gontse’s body had been found.

She had suffered a brutal attack—stabbed in the neck, strangled, and left naked, a horrific fate that left her family shattered.

The trauma of such a violent end has left the family struggling to comprehend the senselessness of her death.

Kedibone, who shared a close bond with her sister, expressed her heartbreak in a poignant statement: “They’ve taken half of my heart away.

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 anguish felt by the family is palpable, as they grapple with the loss of a vibrant young woman whose life was tragically cut short.

The community has rallied around the Mokgohloa family, offering support and condolences, but the pain of losing Gontse remains a heavy burden to bear.

The Family’s Plea for Justice

In the wake of this tragedy, the Mokgohloa family is demanding justice for Gontse.

Her mother, Sinah Mokgohloa, expressed her devastation with a heartfelt plea: “I’ve lost my daughter, and we need justice.

Whoever did this must be found and rot in jail.”

Gontse’s aunt, Johanna Morometsi, echoed this sentiment, recalling her last conversation with Gontse and Kedibone just before the tragedy struck.

“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.

The family’s grief is compounded by a sense of helplessness as they navigate the aftermath of such a violent crime.

They are determined to see justice served, not only for Gontse but also for themselves and the community that has been affected by this tragedy.

Upcoming Memorial Service

To honor Gontse’s memory, the family has organized a candlelight vigil at the site where her body was found on Thursday, October 24.

A formal memorial service will follow on Friday, October 25, with her burial scheduled for Saturday, October 26, at the Maubane Cemetery.

Attendees have been asked to wear black T-shirts and blue trousers as a tribute to Gontse, symbolizing their collective mourning and remembrance of her life.

The family hopes that the vigil will not only serve as a moment of reflection but also as a call to action for the community to stand together against violence.

Police Investigation

The Gauteng police have confirmed that a murder investigation is underway, although no arrests have been made yet.

Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated, “As per the case number provided, this is a murder case, and we are actively investigating.”

However, the family is growing increasingly frustrated with the slow progress of the investigation, feeling that their daughter’s case is not receiving the urgency it deserves.

Their frustration is compounded by the lack of information from law enforcement, leaving them feeling isolated and helpless in their search for justice.

Community Support

In the aftermath of Gontse’s death, the Mokgohloa family is not only dealing with emotional turmoil but also facing practical challenges.

They are pleading for community support, particularly with groceries and candles for the memorial service.

The tragedy has left them financially strained as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.

As they prepare for the memorial and burial, the family is overwhelmed by the generosity of those who have come forward to offer assistance.

Community members have organized fundraising efforts to help alleviate some of the financial burdens the family is facing during this challenging period.

As the Mokgohloa family prepares to say their final goodbyes, they continue to seek answers and justice for Gontse.

They remain hopeful that her killer will be found and held accountable for this heinous crime.

In the face of such sorrow, the Mokgohloa family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the need for justice and the importance of community in times of crisis.

Their resilience in the face of unimaginable loss is a testament to the love that binds families together, even in the darkest of times.