Man Appears in Court for Murder of 22-year-old Woman in Rockville
A 31-year-old man appeared before the Protea Magistrates’ Court on Monday in connection with the alleged murder of 22-year-old Botshelo Mabua in Rockville, Soweto.
Sizwe Nkululeko Yende appeared before Magistrate A. Mokoena, where the State outlined its case against him. He remains in custody pending a formal bail application.
THE ALLEGATIONS
According to the State, during the early hours of 25 September 2026, Yende and Mabua became involved in a verbal altercation at a residence in Rockville. The argument escalated into violence.
The State alleges that Yende pushed the deceased, causing her to strike her head against a corner of a wall or piece of furniture. He then allegedly strangled her.
Mabua was found lying on the floor and was declared dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.
COURT PROCEEDINGS
The court postponed the matter to 2 October 2026 for a formal bail application. Yende remains in custody at the Protea police cells.
The case has drawn community attention, with several Rockville residents attending Monday’s brief court appearance. Some expressed frustration at the ongoing scourge of violence against women in the community.
“This is happening too often,” said one resident, who asked not to be named. “We bury our daughters, our sisters, our neighbours. When will it stop?”
PART OF A NATIONAL CRISIS
Mabua’s death is one of at least 12 women killed in Gauteng in recent months, a wave of violence that has prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to order a nationwide audit of unresolved gender-based violence and femicide cases.
The President has directed police and prosecutors to conduct a full audit of all unresolved GBVF cases within 60 days, and to prioritise them for reinvestigation within 90 days .
“This is a national shame,” Ramaphosa said in a national address. “We cannot allow violence against women to define who we are.”
HELP IS AVAILABLE
The Soweto Bulletin reminds readers that help is available for those experiencing gender-based violence:
- GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 (toll-free)
- SAPS Emergency: 10111
- Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150
- Lifeline SA: 0861 322 322
