Key Takeaways:
- Gogo Mathapelo Miya (53) and the wife of the accused, Zitha Radebe, were shot dead in Kestell, Free State, on December 28, 2025.
- The alleged motive behind the attack was a love affair between the accused’s wife and Gogo Mathapelo’s son.
- The accused has been charged with double murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
- The case has been postponed to January 12, 2026.
- Gogo Mathapelo’s son is fighting for his life in hospital after being critically injured in the incident.
Introduction to the Tragedy
The family of Gogo Mathapelo Miya is struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss of their loved one, who was brutally murdered alongside the wife of the accused, Zitha Radebe, in Kestell, Free State. The incident occurred on December 28, 2025, and has left the community in shock. Gogo Mathapelo was at her home when the accused arrived with his wife, and an argument allegedly ensued, leading to the horrific incident. The victim’s son, who was also present at the scene, is fighting for his life in hospital.
The Family’s Grief
In an exclusive interview with Daily Sun, Gogo Mathapelo’s husband, Madala Stemmer Miya, and her daughter, Portia Miya, couldn’t control their tears as they described the pain of losing their loved one. They noted that her violent death has left a deep void in their lives and shattered their sense of safety and peace. Madala Stemmer explained that he was not at home when the incident occurred, but was called by a neighbor to rush back, only to find his wife lying in a pool of blood alongside the accused’s wife and his critically injured son. Portia Miya expressed deep heartbreak and grief over the loss of her mother, describing the pain as overwhelming and unimaginable.
A Warning Dream
The younger brother of Gogo’s husband, Mojalefa Miya, revealed that he had a strange dream before the deadly incident, which involved his life being threatened by guns. The dream occurred the day before the incident and happened twice in different ways, leaving him deeply unsettled. Mojalefa felt compelled to inform the family about the dream, but unfortunately, it was too late to prevent the tragedy. This incident has left the family wondering if the dream was a warning sign that they failed to heed.
The Alleged Motive
A family member, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the alleged motive behind the attack was a love affair between the accused’s wife and Gogo Mathapelo’s son. The issue had been ongoing without resolution, and the accused had allegedly gone to QwaQwa to fetch his wife, leading to an argument with her aunt. The accused then traveled with his wife to Kestell, where he allegedly killed Gogo Mathapelo, his wife, and critically injured Gogo’s son. The family is still trying to come to terms with the fact that a love affair could lead to such a brutal and senseless act of violence.
The Investigation and Charges
Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed that the deceased are two women, while one man is fighting for his life in hospital. The suspect, Zitha Radebe, has been arrested and charged with double murder, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Radebe made a brief appearance in the Kestell Magistrate Court on December 29, 2025, and the case has been postponed to January 12, 2026. The family is calling for justice to be served and for the accused to be held accountable for his actions.
The Road to Justice
As the family of Gogo Mathapelo Miya continues to mourn their loss, they are also seeking justice for their loved one. The community is in shock and outrage over the senseless act of violence, and there are calls for the accused to be held accountable for his actions. The case is ongoing, and the family is waiting for the outcome of the trial. In the meantime, they are trying to come to terms with their loss and find a way to heal and move forward. The incident has highlighted the need for communities to come together to prevent such acts of violence and to support families who have been affected by tragedy.