Kgaogelo Nnonu Morata, Daughter of HIV Activist, Tragically Killed by Boyfriend.

Kgaogelo Nnonu Morata, Daughter of HIV Activist, Tragically Killed by Boyfriend.

In a devastating incident that has shaken the community of Maubane, Hammanskraal, 20-year-old Kgaogelo Nnonu Morata was brutally stabbed to death by her boyfriend, Mfana Ngwenya, in the early hours of August 21, 2025. The tragic event, which unfolded outside a local tavern, has left family, friends, and the nation reeling, highlighting the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. Kgaogelo was the daughter of well-known social media influencer and HIV activist Thabiso Seema, who has since shared his profound grief and the personal struggles that connected him to his advocacy work.

Kgaogelo Nnonu Morata was discovered deceased at the scene by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), having sustained multiple stab wounds. According to police reports, Ngwenya, 26, allegedly slashed Kgaogelo’s throat in a fit of rage, motivated by suspicions of infidelity. In a chilling act that sparked widespread outrage, Ngwenya reportedly posted a graphic video of Kgaogelo’s lifeless body on Facebook, accompanied by a rant accusing her of disloyalty. The video was later removed, but not before it was downloaded and shared, amplifying the public’s horror. Ngwenya also allegedly posted an explanation on social media, claiming Kgaogelo had “ruined” them, while paradoxically declaring his eternal love for her.

The South African Police Service arrested Ngwenya in connection with Kgaogelo’s murder and the attempted murder of his current girlfriend, whom he allegedly stabbed multiple times after the initial attack. Colonel Adéle Myburgh confirmed the arrest, and Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng commended the swift response of the police. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities piece together the events leading to this horrific act of violence.

Kgaogelo was the daughter of Thabiso Seema, a prominent HIV activist known for his candid social media presence and advocacy for those living with HIV/AIDS. In the wake of his daughter’s death, Thabiso revealed that his public discussions about his experiences with HIV were deeply personal, driven by the challenges he faced with Kgaogelo. “The reason I used to talk about ma 2000 [HIV] is because I was facing the same challenge with my daughter Kgaogelo,” Thabiso shared, reflecting on the emotional weight of his loss. His openness about his and Kgaogelo’s struggles has resonated with many, shedding light on the personal toll of his activism.

Thabiso’s advocacy has long centered on destigmatizing HIV/AIDS and supporting affected communities. However, the loss of his daughter to such a violent act has added a heartbreaking layer to his story, prompting an outpouring of condolences from his followers and the broader public.

Friends of Kgaogelo have come forward to describe Mfana Ngwenya as a toxic and abusive partner. One close friend, speaking anonymously, shared, “Mfana was a toxic and abusive boyfriend. Kgaogelo deserved so much better, but he controlled her and made her life miserable.” These accounts paint a troubling picture of a relationship marked by manipulation and violence, culminating in the tragic events of August 21. Community members described Kgaogelo as a vibrant and kind-hearted young woman whose life was senselessly cut short.

The allegations of abuse align with broader concerns about gender-based violence in South Africa, where such incidents remain alarmingly common. Kgaogelo’s death has reignited calls for stronger measures to protect women and address the root causes of toxic relationships and domestic violence.

The brutality of the attack, coupled with Ngwenya’s decision to broadcast the aftermath on social media, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed discussions about the need for systemic change. Residents of Maubane expressed their heartbreak, with one community member noting, “Kgaogelo was a vibrant young woman whose life was cut short in a senseless act of gender-based violence.”

This tragedy follows a pattern of similar cases in South Africa. In 2020, another young woman named Kgaogelo Shai was killed by her boyfriend in Limpopo, highlighting the persistent threat of GBV. The public’s outrage over Kgaogelo Nnonu Morata’s death has been compounded by the graphic nature of the crime and the suspect’s apparent lack of remorse, as evidenced by his social media posts.