‘Enough is enough’: Hundreds gather to mourn Kimberley mother killed in GBV horror

HUNDREDS of mourners gathered on July 18 to bid farewell to 31-year-old Kelebogile Joyce Seheri, who was brutally assaulted and killed, allegedly by her boyfriend, in what is believed to be a case of gender-based violence.

According to her sister, Seheri sustained horrific injuries during the early hours of July 14. “Her skull was cracked open, her neck was broken, and her jaw was dislocated. There was a gaping hole in her mouth, and she was reportedly raped after she died. Her boyfriend slept next to her corpse and locked her inside the house. Later that morning, he was calmly sitting at another house a few metres down the road.”

She said that a neighbour had noticed something was wrong and called for help. “They had to break in to gain entry.”

Still visibly traumatised, she added that she continued to experience flashbacks after having to identify her sister’s body. “Her three-year-old child was with his father at the time of the incident.”

Seheri’s grandmother, Venice Tshipa, said she was devastated over the loss. “I have no words. She did not deserve such a cruel death and had her whole life ahead of her,” she said.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers confirmed that the Galeshewe Detectives unit is investigating a case of murder following the death of a 31-year-old woman.

“It is alleged that the 31-year-old woman and her 27-year-old partner were involved in an altercation during the early hours of July 14 in Galeshewe. It is believed that the deceased was severely assaulted by her partner and succumbed to her injuries on the scene,” said Ehlers.

She added that the suspect was arrested the same day.

“Anyone who may have information regarding the incident can contact Detective Sergeant Stephen Wax at 082 469 1728 or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or alternatively via the MySAPS app.  All information will be treated confidentially,” Ehlers stated.

The director of the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre, Shaine Griqua, condemned the “senseless and cruel murder”.

“A young and devoted mother was violently killed. Nearly 350 mourners attended her emotional funeral - a testament to the impact her life and tragic death have had on our community. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, especially her young child, who now faces life without a mother because of a brutal act of gender-based violence,” said Griqua.

“This is not just a tragedy — it is an act of evil, and one that highlights the ongoing crisis of femicide in South Africa. We are a nation bleeding from the inside due to violence against women. Enough is enough.” 

He called for the harshest possible sentence for the perpetrator.

“He must be denied bail and must be given a life sentence without the option of parole.  Anything less would be a betrayal of Seheri, her child, and countless other victims whose names we may never know because their abuse goes unreported or ignored.

“The culture of impunity and silence around gender-based violence must end. We demand swift justice and real accountability. The time for hollow promises is over — we need action, protection, and prevention,” Griqua added.