Karabo Mokoena, a young woman from South Africa, was tragically murdered in 2017, sparking widespread condemnation and shedding light on the country’s issue of gender-based violence. Known for her vibrant personality and determination, Karabo was a beloved figure among her friends and family in Johannesburg.
She had been romantically involved with Sandile Mantsoe, a seemingly successful and caring businessman. However, the reality behind closed doors revealed a tumultuous and emotionally abusive relationship. When Karabo went missing on April 27, 2017, her family raised the alarm as she stopped communicating with them. Concerned friends turned to social media using the hashtag #FindKarabo in a desperate attempt to locate her.
Tragically, the search concluded with the discovery of Karabo’s body in a shallow grave in Lyndhurst, Johannesburg, two days later. She had been brutally assaulted, her body subjected to acid, and set on fire in an effort to conceal the crime.
Mantsoe, her boyfriend, was identified as the perpetrator. Investigations unveiled that he had murdered Karabo in his Sandton residence after a heated argument. Evidence presented in court indicated that he had physically attacked her before strangling her. Subsequently, he sought assistance from two others to dispose of her remains.
Throughout the trial, witnesses recounted instances of emotional and physical abuse inflicted by Mantsoe on Karabo during their relationship. Despite her desire to leave him due to his abusive behavior, she held onto hope for change.
In May 2018, Mantsoe was found guilty of murder, assault causing grievous bodily harm, and obstructing justice by Judge Peet Johnson. He received a 32-year prison sentence, with 30 years for murder, five for assault, and three for obstruction, some to be served concurrently.
During court proceedings, Mantsoe appeared composed, smiling and interacting with family members. On the day of his verdict, he even posed for the media, displaying a peace sign. Outside the South Gauteng High Court, activists and mourners gathered, demanding justice for Karabo and all victims of femicide.
Karabo’s tragic death became a poignant representation of South Africa’s pervasive gender-based violence crisis, where numerous women face assault or death at the hands of intimate partners annually. The social media campaign that initially aimed to find her evolved into a movement under the hashtag #JusticeForKarabo, sparking vigils, discussions, and calls for reform.
Leaders in politics and civil society advocated for enhanced safeguards for women and stricter penalties for perpetrators of domestic violence, emphasizing the urgent need to address and combat gender-based violence in the country.