Tragic Farewell: Free State Mother and Daughter Laid to Rest After Brutal Killings

The community of Mamafubedu in Petrus Steyn, Free State, was left heartbroken as Puleng Nkatlo (27) and her 18-month-old daughter, Onanetse, were laid to rest on Sunday, 19 January 2025. The emotional funeral service followed the tragic discovery of their decomposed bodies, a brutal crime that has sent shockwaves through the nation.

#### The Devastating Timeline
Puleng and her daughter were last seen on 22 December 2024 when they visited the alleged perpetrator, Pule Tshabalala (50), to collect Christmas clothes for the child. Days of silence raised alarm, and their decomposed bodies were eventually found on 31 December, horrifying the community.

Family spokesperson Khahliso Mosia expressed profound grief and frustration over the handling of the case, stating:
“We tried to contact Puleng with no success. The police refused to accompany us to the accused’s house. If they had agreed, two innocent lives could’ve been saved. This tragedy has broken our hearts.”

A Community in Mourning
The funeral was marked by emotional speeches and an outpouring of anger and sadness. Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae delivered a heartfelt address, condemning the persistent gender-based violence (GBV) that plagues the province.

“Our province is under siege. Women have done everything in their power, but nothing has changed. Men have declared war on women. It is time we unite as a nation to combat GBV,” Letsoha-Mathae said.

The Premier also called on political parties to support initiatives aimed at tackling GBV. She tasked MEC of Finance and Tourism, Ketso Makume, to lead awareness campaigns directed at educating men and addressing the root causes of violence.

Justice and Accountability
The accused, Pule Tshabalala, has been arrested and charged with murder. His formal bail application is scheduled for Monday, 20 January, at the Reitz Magistrates Court.

The brutally murdered mum and daughter were send-off in a heartbreaking funeral service. Video by: Joseph Mokoaledi pic.twitter.com/P8XJ5A5TRW

— Joseph Mokoaledi (@JosephMoko39443) January 19, 2025

EFF Provincial Chairman Couch Liphoko voiced his dissatisfaction with the government’s response to GBV, demanding stricter laws and long-term solutions.
“We must ensure that every man involved in such heinous crimes rots in jail. Schools should introduce curricula that teach children to distance themselves from GBV,” Liphoko stated.

#### A Call for Action
This tragedy has reignited national conversations about harsher punishments for GBV offenders and the need for more proactive measures to protect women and children. Many have called for improved policing and early intervention systems to prevent such crimes.

Puleng leaves behind a 7-year-old daughter, Rearabetswe Nkatlo, who now faces the heartbreaking reality of growing up without her mother and younger sister.

#### Renewed Hope Amid Tragedy
As the community mourns this devastating loss, the need for collective action to combat GBV has never been more urgent. Puleng and Onanetse’s story serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the pressing need for systemic change to protect the vulnerable.

Their memory will forever serve as a call to end violence against women and children.