The grieving family of Kgaogelo Marota, a 20-year-old from Maubane village near Hammanskraal, is calling for justice following the tragic and brutal death of their daughter. Marota was fatally stabbed multiple times outside a local tavern on Thursday, an incident that has shaken the community and left her loved ones in turmoil.
Lazarus Lito Antonio, the 26-year-old self-confessed ex-boyfriend of Marota, appeared in Temba Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing serious charges, including murder and attempted murder of his current girlfriend. His alleged actions, compounded by chilling video evidence shared on social media, have intensified the family’s fears and calls for justice.
“As a mother, I don’t think it will please me for this boy to be granted bail,” said Nkina Marota, Kgaogelo’s mother, during an emotional interview with YOU FM Newshour. “We don’t know what he will do to us if released. I’m still in agony; I can’t forget what I saw.” The terror of a potential bail release has threatened to overshadow the family’s grief.
The shocking events began in the early hours of August 21, when Nkina received the first of two heartbreaking phone calls. The first message, vague and cautious, informed her of Kgaogelo’s attack. “I was told she was just hurt,” she recalled. “But four hours later, I received the devastating news that my daughter was dead.” Struggling to process the loss of her beloved daughter, Nkina rushed to the scene, identifying Kgaogelo by her shoes while waiting for forensic officers.
“Kgaogelo loved this boy,” Nkina said, revealing the complicated relationship that led to their separation amid allegations of cheating and threats. In what she thought was an act of protection, Nkina had advised Kgaogelo to report Antonio’s stalking behaviour to the police, which resulted in a protection order against him. “But clearly, he had made up his mind, and he went on to kill my daughter,” she lamented.
The National Prosecuting Authority has reported that Antonio, a Portuguese national, allegedly attacked Kgaogelo at a local tavern before returning home to attempt further violence against his current girlfriend, who fortunately survived. He then reportedly recorded and shared his justification for the attack on social media, a chilling act that has prompted outrage from the community and the public.
Antonio was arrested early Friday morning, following tips regarding his location, and has been remanded in custody until his formal bail application scheduled for 5 September. As the case unfolds, the family awaits a sense of justice while grappling with the profound loss of a daughter who was set to celebrate her 21st birthday on August 26.
