South African Police Officer Guns Down Ex-Girlfriend and Her Friend Before Committing Suicide

In a tragic and harrowing incident that has shaken the community of Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, two young women were fatally shot by an off-duty police officer before he took his own life. The victims, 21-year-old Lisakhanya Labi and her friend, 20-year-old Monalisa Ojoni, were laid to rest last weekend following the devastating event that occurred on July 18, 2025.

Godfrey Tholane Seleke, a 31-year-old police officer, arrived unannounced at the residence of his ex-girlfriend Lisakhanya Labi in the Central area of Gqeberha. According to eyewitness reports, Seleke was struggling deeply to accept the end of their relationship. In a fit of rage and emotional instability, he opened fire, killing Labi and Ojoni instantly. Following this horrific act, Seleke turned the gun on himself, dying shortly after from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

 

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This violent episode has sent shockwaves through the Bay community, eliciting a mixture of anger, fear, and disbelief. Community members are grappling with the fact that a law enforcement officer, sworn to protect, could perpetrate such a heinous crime. Thando Mbeki, a prominent community leader, voiced the collective outrage, stating, “This is a betrayal of the worst kind. We demand accountability and urgent reforms to prevent such tragedies from happening again.”

Investigations revealed that Seleke and Labi had a recent breakup, which Seleke found difficult to accept. Witnesses noted that he had become increasingly possessive and emotionally unstable in the weeks leading up to the incident. Despite apparent warning signs, no formal complaints had been lodged against him prior to the shooting. Colleagues described Seleke as “volatile” in recent times, raising concerns over whether potential red flags were overlooked.

The incident has also intensified scrutiny on firearm control within the South African Police Service, as Seleke used his service weapon to carry out the attack. This has sparked urgent calls for revisiting protocols concerning firearm access and mental health assessments for officers.

Experts on domestic violence have highlighted that this tragedy is not an isolated event but part of a broader and deeply entrenched epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. The country continues to grapple with alarmingly high rates of violence against women, and cases involving intimate partner violence remain a critical concern for authorities and civil society alike.

The advocacy group Women For Change condemned the incident, emphasizing the need for more robust measures to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable. They called on the government and police authorities to implement stricter policies and comprehensive support systems for victims of domestic violence.

The community’s grief is palpable as they mourn the loss of two young lives cut short in a senseless act of violence. The incident underscores the urgent need for societal transformation to address the root causes of domestic violence, improve mental health support, and ensure that those in positions of power uphold the highest standards of conduct.

As South Africa continues to confront the scourge of gender-based violence, the tragic deaths of Lisakhanya Labi and Monalisa Ojoni serve as a grim reminder of the work that remains. It is a call to action for all stakeholders—from law enforcement to policymakers, community leaders, and citizens—to unite in creating safer environments for women and fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

 

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