Boingotlo Makaota’s Farewell Marked by Demands for Justice

PUDUMOE – The community of Pudumoe gathered at the local community hall to bid an emotional farewell to 16-year-old Boingotlo Prudy Makaota, a Grade 10 learner from Maatla Secondary School. Family, friends, and classmates mourned the tragic loss of Boingotlo, affectionately known as Manana, whose untimely death has left the community in shock.

Community Condemns Heinous Act
Traditional leaders from Matlhako 1 and 2 strongly condemned the horrific incident, calling for justice to be served. “Such heinous acts have no place in our community, and we urge law enforcement to ensure those responsible face the full might of the law,” one of the leaders stated. Their sentiments echoed the widespread outrage that has gripped the community since the news of Boingotlo’s murder surfaced.

Family and Friends Remember Manana
Speakers at the funeral service described Boingotlo as a quiet and kind-hearted child. Her uncle, visibly shaken, spoke of his devastation at losing her. “I looked forward to seeing Manana grow and become a better person,” he said, his grief evident. Many of her classmates and friends shared heartfelt memories, remembering her as a bright young girl with a promising future.

Gender-Based Violence Awareness Campaign Planned
The Chairperson of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Obakeng Senwedi, expressed concern over the increasing cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and announced plans for awareness campaigns. “We aim to educate young men on respecting and coexisting peacefully with women,” he told MORONGWA. The initiative seeks to prevent similar tragedies and promote safety within the community.

Shocking Discovery and Arrests
Boingotlo’s body was discovered in a shallow grave on Saturday, 11 January 2025, in Matshelapane, Pudumoe. According to Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, her body was wrapped in a blanket and bore injuries on her head, legs, and thighs. The discovery sent shockwaves through the community, sparking anger and calls for justice.

Authorities have since arrested two men, Phemelo Maine (40) and Onkemetse Phatlhanyane (27), in connection with the crime. Both suspects have appeared in court twice, with their next hearing scheduled for Thursday, 23 January 2025, at the Taung Magistrate’s Court for a bail application.

Suspect Opts to Plead Guilty
MORONGWA has learned that Phemelo Maine has informed the court of his intention to plead guilty. Additionally, he has decided to abandon his bail application. This development has heightened emotions among community members, who continue to demand swift and severe punishment for those responsible.

Call for Justice and Community Healing
The incident has left the Pudumoe community reeling, with many demanding stronger measures to protect young women from violence. Traditional leaders and residents have vowed to keep pushing for justice to ensure such tragedies do not happen again.