Gqeberha, Eastern Cape — Tragedy struck in South Africa on July 18, 2025, when 31-year-old police officer Godfrey Tholane Seleke fatally shot his ex-girlfriend and her friend before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide.
The victims, Lisakhanya Labi (21) and Monalisa Ojoni (20), were both pronounced dead at the scene. They were laid to rest last weekend amid widespread grief and outrage.
According to advocacy group Women For Change, the incident occurred at a residence in Central, Gqeberha. Seleke reportedly visited Labi’s home that evening and, unable to cope with their recent breakup, opened fire—killing both women instantly—before taking his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot.
Authorities confirmed that Seleke and Labi had been in a relationship that ended shortly before the tragedy. Witnesses and acquaintances said the officer had become increasingly possessive and emotionally unstable in the weeks leading up to the incident, though no formal reports had been made.
“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.”
Colleagues of Seleke noted that he had displayed volatile behavior recently, raising questions about whether warning signs were missed. The fact that his service weapon was used in the attack has triggered renewed calls for tighter firearm control within the police force.
Domestic violence experts say this case underscores South Africa’s ongoing struggle with gender-based violence (GBV), a crisis that continues to claim the lives of countless women.
“This is not an isolated event,” said a GBV advocate. “Until stronger preventative measures are in place, we will keep mourning the loss of young women whose lives are cut short by intimate partner violence.”