Marry Me victim Mpho Koko (19) laid to rest

MPHO laid to rest.

He was buried at Ndlovu Cemetery in Klipgat, North West on Saturday, 29 March. It was an emotional funeral as family, friends, and the community of Klipgat said their goodbyes to the young man.

Mpho Koko (19) from Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve, Tshwane, was among the six community patrollers who were shot and killed on Saturday, 22 March 2025.

Mpho’s uncle, Victor Koko (49), said that his nephew was burnt on the other side of his body. “The family is crying. We are in great pain, and we are still shocked,” he said.

He said that they would leave everything to the police, and he thanked the community and Madibeng Local Municipality, which fixed their road and brought them water. “My nephew was respectful, and I was proud of him,” he said.

He said their dream of doing business with his nephew disappeared.

Moho’s cousin, Kgothatso Koko (25) cousin, said he is heartbroken and didn’t expect that Mpho would die like this, and he died very young. “He loved interacting with people, music, playing football, and was a good person.”

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Mpho’s aunt, Virginia Mohloba (52), said: “We are hurt. We need harsh sentences for these thugs, especially life sentences. We don’t know whether they started by shooting him or burning him. He was shot with almost three bullets.”

She said that they would only forgive the killers after they had served their sentences. “Government must help us and deal with undocumented foreigners. They must be arrested. The police must stop taking bribes from criminals,” she said.

Mpho’s cousin, Itumeleng Koko (20), said: “We grew up together. My cousin wanted to quit community patrolling.”

She said that he wanted to look for a job and support his family.

Gauteng police spokeswoman Brigadier Brenda Muridili said cases of murder and attempted murder were opened.