Pretoria – The fatal shooting of Lebogang Mafa in her Soshanguve home, Tshwane, marked a tragic end to Women’s Month.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member, who resided at Ext 7, was sitting in her dining room on Saturday night when a gunman entered her home and shot her dead in front of her son.
Commenting on the tragedy on Sunday, the EFF said: “The trauma inflicted on her young son, who witnessed the senseless murder of his mother, is immeasurable and speaks to the barbarity of the act.
“This horrific act of violence has not only robbed us of a dedicated fighter but has also left a family shattered and a community in mourning.
“We demand that the perpetrators of this heinous crime be brought to justice without delay.”
Unconfirmed reports said the police had arrested a suspect.
“Our communities are besieged by violence, and the sense of safety that every citizen deserves is continually eroded,” the EFF said.
“The streets of Soshanguve, once vibrant with life and community spirit, have become synonymous with fear and insecurity.
“The prevalence of crime in the area is a dire reflection of the broader societal issues we face.
“Despite our relentless calls for justice, our communities remain plagued by lawlessness and impunity.
“The failure of the justice system to protect our citizens and deliver justice is a profound betrayal that cannot be ignored.”
Since the beginning of the year, Soshanguve has experienced several violent crimes that include:
- A New Year’s Day shooting that resulted in the deaths of four people including a police officer.
- A hijacking in the area resulted in the death of 5-year-old Ditebogo Phalane. The boy was shot as he ran to meet his father who had just returned home when hijackers pounced
- Two children, aged four and seven, were burned to death when their shack was set on fire by gunmen allegedly targeting their father. The incident followed a shooting at a nearby shebeen where six people were shot, two of them fatally.
The EFF said: “The memory of Lebogang and countless others who have fallen victim to such senseless violence must serve as a catalyst for change. We cannot allow their deaths to be in vain.
“Lebogang’s life and her untimely death should galvanize us to continue her work with even greater determination.
“As we mourn her loss, we must also channel our grief into action.”
