Gqeberha, South Africa —
Lisakhanya Labi (21) and Monalisa Ojoni (20), two vibrant young women whose lives were cut short in a brutal act of violence, were laid to rest last weekend, leaving a trail of grief, outrage, and painful questions across South Africa.
The two friends were gunned down on the evening of July 18, 2025, by an off-duty police officer — Godfrey Tholane Seleke, aged 31 — in what authorities have described as a domestic dispute turned deadly.
Seleke, who was Labi’s ex-boyfriend, reportedly showed up uninvited at her residence in Central, Gqeberha, and opened fire, killing both Labi and Ojoni instantly. He then turned the gun on himself.
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A Community in Shock
The tragedy has rocked the local community, with residents expressing horror that someone entrusted with protecting the public could carry out such a heinous act.
> “This is a betrayal of the worst kind,” said community leader Thando Mbeki. “We demand accountability and urgent reforms to prevent such tragedies from happening again.”
The advocacy group Women For Change confirmed the details in a statement on Tuesday, August 5, calling for justice and more proactive measures to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
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A Relationship Marked by Possessiveness
According to witnesses, Seleke had been struggling to come to terms with the end of his relationship with Labi. Friends and neighbors revealed that he had become increasingly possessive and emotionally unstable in the weeks leading up to the shooting.
Despite his disturbing behavior, no formal complaints had been filed, raising serious concerns about missed warning signs.
Fellow officers reportedly described Seleke as “volatile” in the weeks before the tragedy — behavior that, in hindsight, should have raised red flags.
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A National Epidemic of Gender-Based Violence
Experts warn that this case is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader epidemic of gender-based violence in South Africa — one of the countries with the highest GBV rates in the world.
The fact that Seleke used his service weapon has intensified scrutiny on firearm control within the police force. Activists are calling for urgent reforms, including psychological evaluations and stricter checks on officers’ mental health and personal conduct.
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Their Names Must Not Be Forgotten
Lisakhanya and Monalisa were more than just victims. They were daughters, friends, and young women with dreams and futures — stolen in a moment of senseless violence.
As South Africa mourns, the call grows louder: enough is enough. The lives of women must be valued, and the systems meant to protect them must not fail again.
> May Lisakhanya Labi and Monalisa Ojoni rest in peace — and may their memory fuel lasting change.
