Lerato Kganyago takes a stand against stalkers: ‘I will not live in fear’

Media personality and Metro FM presenter Lerato Kganyago has spoken out about a disturbing ordeal that has left her shaken but resolute. 

In a series of candid Instagram Stories, Kganyago revealed that she has been the target of an ongoing stalking campaign by a group of individuals she described as “thugs” - some of whom were allegedly accompanied by police officers.   

According to Kganyago, suspicions that she was being followed had lingered for some time.

But it was only recently that she decided to take matters into her own hands - carefully setting a trap to confirm her fears.

The alleged incident unfolded at a restaurant where she had arranged a meeting, having received prior warnings from venue security that she was being watched. 

“I’m very grateful that there are people from the restaurant and security who alerted me that there were people following me, asking about my whereabouts, where I was sitting and what time I had arrived,” she shared.

She managed to discreetly photograph the individuals who had entered the establishment and reportedly kept track of her movements.

“I had captured every one of them - from when they walked in the door, where they sat and when they all started moving as I made my way out,” Kganyago said, adding that this allowed her to later identify and confront one of them.

Displaying immense courage, Kganyago described how she confronted one of the alleged stalkers outside the restaurant - a man who was shockingly standing next to a uniformed police officer. 

“I bravely got out of the car by myself, which I don’t advise, and confronted one of them. He was standing next to a police officer, who said nothing while this confrontation happened. Only when they realised I was recording them did they walk away. They are thugs!”

Even more disturbing was her revelation that police officers accompanied some of the suspects.

“I’ve got the picture of the other gentleman you were with and the police officer that stood right next to you in the parking lot,” she revealed.

The photos, which she has since shared with loved ones, were part of her effort to create a digital paper trail and protect herself in case the situation escalated.

“I will always look and sound happy because that’s what keeps me alive in spirit. My fear? My fear is worn out. I do not fear anymore,” she wrote defiantly.

Kganyago’s experience is not isolated. Reality TV star Happy Simelane also came forward recently to report a similar situation.

In her own Instagram Story, she warned: “Beware of this GTI registration ... This car has been following me."

"I have footage. A case has been opened. We live in a country where women are killed daily. We are not safe at all.”

Their stories have reignited conversations around the safety of women in South Africa - a country grappling with high levels of gender-based violence (GBV) and stalking.

Despite the harrowing experience, Kganyago remains resilient. She emphasised the importance of staying alert and documenting suspicious activity. 

“I’m safe at home and I refuse to live in fear,” she said, encouraging others to be just as vigilant.

She added a powerful message to her followers: “Please always be aware of your surroundings. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Record. Document. Share. It could save your life.”

Safety tips for anyone who believes they’re being followed:

• Trust your instincts: If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Trust your gut -  it could be alerting you to real danger. 
• Avoid confrontation alone: Never confront suspicious individuals without backup or support. Call authorities or seek help from nearby security.
• Document everything: Take pictures or videos when safe to do so. Note the time, place, appearance and license plates.
• Alert trusted people: Share your location with friends or family. Let them know where you are and when you expect to return.
• Seek public places: If you suspect someone is following you, head to a crowded area or business where you can get help. 
• Report to authorities: Open a case and insist on a paper trail. If police are unhelpful, reach out to legal aid or organisations advocating for women’s safety. 
• Self-defence tools: Carry pepper spray or a personal alarm, and take self-defence classes if you're able to.