21-year-old young mother was discovered dead, with evident signs of strangulation on her neck

The quiet town of Lehurutshe in the North West is in shock after 21-year-old Rorisang Kopano Mothobi was discovered dead at her parents’ home on October 10, 2025. Police confirmed she showed signs of assault and strangulation, and a murder investigation is underway.

Family and friends described Rorisang as a loving mother to her two-year-old daughter and a kind young woman. They revealed she had endured an abusive relationship before her death, shedding light on the harsh reality many women face at home.

Authorities have not made any arrests and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Her death highlights the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa, which activists warn has reached alarming levels.

Women For Change, a leading activist group, is demanding stronger action and calls on citizens to join the Women’s Shutdown on 21 November to hold the government accountable. They stress that GBV is not just a women’s issue — it’s a national emergency requiring urgent response.

Rorisang’s tragic story has reignited a nationwide conversation about women’s safety in homes and communities. Many South Africans are asking how many more lives must be lost before real change happens.

For ongoing updates on this case and the nationwide fight against gender-based violence, read the full report and follow the investigation here → Full coverage