Precious Ramabulana: Suspect arrested for her alleged rape and murder

A tweet by Katlego Nyoni on Thursday, 28 November 2019, said that a suspect has been arrested for the alleged brutal murder of Precious Ramabulana, 19, a student at the Ramokhopha Campus at Capricorn TVET College. 

The suspect in the murder of Capricorn TVET Student #PreciousRamabulana has been arrested. National Police Commissioner Kgetlha Sithole is expected to provide more details during a media briefing before midday today. #sabcnews

— Katlego Nyoni (@katlego4ever) November 28, 2019

A Twitter user replied saying: “Thanks be to the Lord, may the Ramabulana family get justice. That murderer must spend the rest of his miserable life in a jail cell without the option of parole.”

Thanks be to the Lord

May the Ramabulana family get justice

That murderer must spend the rest of his miserable life in a jail cell without the option of parole

— Palesa Flower (@PSeretlo) November 28, 2019

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo is yet to confirm the arrest and said that more details will be provided during their media briefing on Ramabulana’s death, taking place later today, Thursday, 28 November 2019.  

Ramabulana was supposedly raped, yet to be confirmed by police, and stabbed 52 times in her own dorm room on Sunday 24 November 2019. 

Police confirmed on Monday 25 November that an investigation was underway and that they were looking for one male suspect.  

’16 Days Of Activism’ day after Ramabulana’s death

The very next day, after Ramabulana’s brutal murder in Limpopo, marked the beginning of the “16 Days of Activism” campaign against gender-based violence (GBV). 

Risham Maharaj, a DA representative in Molemole, Limpopo, has lamented the “senseless killing” of Precious Ramabulana, questioning the government’s commitment to keeping our female citizens safe. Maharaj said on Monday 25 November 2019:

“We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fellow students and our prayers and thoughts are with them during this difficult period of mourning. The senseless killing continues to highlight the vulnerability and plight of women and girls in our rural communities.

It is clear that our government is failing to keep them safe. The DA will visit the family in Ndzhelele this week to convey our condolences to support the family. We urge the SAPS to prioritise this case and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to book with immediate effect.”

Social media has seen an outpouring of grief for the teenager, who was studying N6 Business Management and preparing for her final round of exams:

My heart breaks every time I think about Precious Ramabulana. Just 21 years old, raped and stabbed 52 times, in the supposed safety of her room. My aunt was stabbed 7 times by a lover she dumped, we don't know how she survived. Hate crimes against women in SA find us everywhere

— The Villager (@Penxenxe) November 27, 2019

Let's forget about #CatDriver #Bree #BreeCat & #Fourways for a bit, the lady below was raped and stabbed 52 times in her room on Saturday night, she was a student at Capricorn TVET and her name is Precious Ramabulana. Please help through RTs until justice is served 😭😭😭 #RIP pic.twitter.com/b5W1oe2P8L

— Mike Tuney (@Mike_Tuney) November 25, 2019

Other people's children are going home with their qualifications. The Ramabulana family have a coffin to pick instead of graduation clothes. #Precious💔 pic.twitter.com/Nh0HITN6Nk

— Mme a Masakona (@FloMasebe) November 26, 2019