If anyone knows what the family of Tshegofatso Pule are going through, it’s the mother of 19-year-old Uyinene Mrwetyana, the University of Cape Town student murdered by a post office worker in Cape Town last year.
Uyinene’s death sparked nationwide protests as people marched to demand an end to gender-based violence.
But, as eight-months-pregnant Tshegofatso’s horror killing has proved, we have a long way to go.
Nomangwane Mrwetyana, Uyinene’s mother, has written a letter to Tshegofatso’s aunt, Pricilla Giwu, who took Tshego in and raised her when her mother died 11 years ago.
Despair and grief prevail now, Nomangwane says, and those who loved Tshegofatso will never be the same again.
But the precious memories of your beautiful child are something no one can ever take away from you, she adds.
Dear Mama Giwu,
The past few weeks have been profoundly painful and a stark reminder of the violent society we live in.
As images of your child and other women and girls who died at the hands of men flashed on television, I felt it necessary to pen this letter to you, Mama Giwu, as well as to the other families who lost their daughters through the despicable act of gender-based violence.
Our sincere and deepest condolences from my family to yours, Mama Giwu, following the gruesome and brutal murder of your beautiful daughter Tshegofatso and your grandchild, her unborn baby girl.
The day our lives changed forever was 24 August 2019, when our beloved daughter Uyinene innocently visited the Clareinch Post Office to collect a parcel. Unbeknown to her and all of us, that would be her last day on Earth.
This story is from the 2 July 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 2 July 2020 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!
Kourtney Kardashian and other celebs are honouring the glory of new moms' postpartum bodies
LEON'S ORDEAL IS NO JOKE
Pain has dominated entertainer Leon Schuster's life after a serious back injury landed him in bed. But despite being depressed he remains hopeful he will recover so he can get back to work
'BREAK THE SILENCE'
That's the message of the Scottish comedian who turned his experience of stalking and sexual abuse into a hit Netflix show
A PLACE OF HOPE AND HEALING
Damaged people and abused dogs find a safe haven and a chance to start again at this farm in the Cape Winelands
FROM SPERM DONOR TO DAD OF 37
Peter Ellenstein's life took an unexpected turn when a message from a daughter he never knew he had led to him meeting dozens of his children and exploring what it means to be a father without ever having raised them
GRATEFUL FOR EVERY BREATH
A double lung transplant has given this chef a second chance at life - and he'll never forget the young man who made it possible
THE GAMES ARE GO!
Preparations are well under way in the City of Lights for the world's greatest sporting spectacle
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
We break down what the new rules are and what to expect for the seventh national elections later this month
TOM'S A TOP GIFTER
He's known to go ALL OUT for his movies and stunts, so it's no surprise TOM CRUISE also PULLS OUT ALL THE STOPS for his friends when it comes to GIFTS
TAMING THE BEAST
Recognising and managing your anger can make for a happier and healthier you