By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Mamelodi double murder accused Tebogo Mnisi appeared briefly at the local magistrate court and has abandoned his bail application.
Mnisi is accused of the double murder of the two cousins, who were found dead on Sunday, from gunshot wounds after the pair went out the previous night.
Baleseng and Tshiamo Moramaga deaths sparked an outrage in the community of Mamelodi.
Police arrested Mnisi in Pretoria during a targeted operation.
Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said officers arrested Mnisi on Monday.
Upon arrival, police found the bodies of two female victims, both with gunshot wounds to the head. A double murder investigation has been opened.”
Witnesses saw Moramaga and Baleseng arguing with a man they knew. The duo were cousins who lived together in a rented room in Mamelodi.
Mnisi faces five charges, including pre-meditated murder, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The case has been postponed to 19 January 2026 for further investigations and he will remain in custody.
Meanwhile research indicates that 90% of firearm homicides globally are committed by men, highlighting their significant role in armed violence.
Most murders in South Africa are not premeditated acts linked to robberies, gang violence or organised crime. Instead, they arise from interpersonal conflicts — arguments, misunderstandings, jealousy or revenge between people known to one another.
These are not issues that can be solved by simply deploying more police officers. We need long-term solutions that build emotional resilience, promote conflict resolution and foster healthier relationships at the individual, family and community levels.
When South Africa implemented the Firearms Control Act (FCA) in 2000, gun deaths dropped dramatically from 34 per day in 1998 to 18 per day by 2009. However, corruption, poor oversight and loopholes in the law have led to a resurgence in gun violence.