A devastating tragedy has shaken the Eastern Cape town of Gqeberha, South Africa, after an off-duty police officer brutally ended the lives of two young women before taking his own. The incident, which occurred on July 18, 2025, has reignited urgent calls for police reform and stronger protection against gender-based violence. Lisakhanya Labi, 21, and her friend Monalisa Ojoni, 20, were laid to rest last weekend, surrounded by heartbroken loved ones and a community still grappling with the horror of their deaths. The man responsible, 31-year-old Godfrey Tholane Seleke, was a South African Police Service (SAPS) officer who used his service weapon to carry out the act.
According to local reports, Seleke arrived unannounced at Labi’s home in Central, Gqeberha, in what appears to have been a final confrontation stemming from their recently ended relationship. Witnesses described him as visibly agitated and emotionally unwell before he opened fire, killing both Labi and Ojoni, then turning the gun on himself.
The murders have sparked a wave of mourning, anger, and reflection across the country—especially as this tragedy echoes a familiar pattern of intimate partner violence in South Africa. Advocacy group Women For Change labeled the incident “devastating and preventable,” adding that it highlights the urgent need for mental health support, firearm regulation, and police accountability.
“This is a betrayal by someone who swore to protect,” said Thando Mbeki, a local community leader. “We need serious reform—officers should not have unchecked access to weapons when they’re off duty or in emotional crisis.”
Concerns have since emerged over missed warning signs. Colleagues of Seleke revealed that he had been displaying erratic behavior in the weeks leading up to the killings. Despite this, no action was taken—a failure that raises questions about SAPS’ internal monitoring systems and mental health evaluations.
Equally troubling is the culture of silence around abuse, especially in relationships involving law enforcement. Many at the funeral voiced their frustration over how little protection Labi had, even after ending the relationship.
“She knew something wasn’t right,” one mourner shared. “She walked away—but it still wasn’t enough.”
The tragic deaths of Lisakhanya and Monalisa have left a painful void, cutting short two young lives full of promise. Their loss is now a haunting reminder of the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and the structural failures that allow it to persist—even at the hands of those meant to serve and protect.
As the community mourns, South Africans are once again calling on authorities to act. For too many, justice comes too late.
-Deeprows News