The details surrounding Tshephang Mogale’s tragic and untimely death have shocked her family, friends, and the community. As they gathered to mourn her passing at her memorial service in Phakalane, harrowing revelations emerged about the circumstances of her death. Here are ten key revelations from the memorial service:
1. The Discovery of Mogale’s Body
Mogale’s body was discovered by her sister, Ndiya Mogale, who was met by a foul smell coming from the kitchen. Ndiya entered the house on Monday and found Tshephang in a pool of blood, with flies swarming around her body. This was a deeply traumatic moment for Ndiya, who broke down in sobs as she recounted the scene.
2. The Suspicion of Foul Play
It was revealed that Tshephang Mogale had succumbed to multiple stab wounds, which the doctors later confirmed were likely inflicted with a sharp object, suspected to be a knife. The postmortem revealed that she had been stabbed in the head, chest, abdomen, heart, and just below the shoulder.
3. The Delay in Discovering Her Death
Mogale’s body was found several days after her death. Ndiya had initially gone to check on her sister on Friday after their mother grew concerned over being unable to contact her since Thursday. However, upon seeing that Mogale’s car was not at home, Ndiya assumed she was out. It was not until Monday that Ndiya returned to the house and found her sister’s lifeless body.
4. The State of Decomposition
By the time Ndiya found her sister, Mogale’s body had deteriorated significantly. The Botswana Police Service (BPS) and doctors advised the family to expedite the funeral arrangements due to the state of the body. Despite this, the family managed to organize the funeral for later that day.
5. The Trauma for Ndiya
Ndiya was the first family member on the scene and had to endure the shock of discovering her sister in such a horrific state. After alerting the authorities, she was questioned by the police at the scene. The emotional toll on her and the family was palpable as they grappled with the violent nature of Mogale’s death.
6. A Brutal and Painful Death
Doctors confirmed that Mogale had endured a brutal and painful death. The multiple stab wounds indicated a vicious attack, leaving her family and friends devastated by the suffering she must have endured in her final moments.
7. Calls for Action Against Gender-Based Violence
Fashion designer Berry Heart, a prominent advocate for social justice, seized the opportunity to address the issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) during the memorial service. She urged the community to take Mogale’s death as a wake-up call and to unite in the fight against GBV, so that such tragedies can be prevented in the future.
8. The Immediate Burial Request
Due to the condition of Mogale’s body, medical professionals recommended that she be laid to rest as soon as possible. However, with the help of some pulled strings, the family was able to expedite the funeral arrangements, allowing Mogale to be buried later that day at Ledumang Cemetery.
9. Mogale’s Life and Legacy
Family and friends described Tshephang Mogale as a vibrant and compassionate individual whose life was not meant to end in such a brutal manner. Her death has left an irreplaceable void in their lives, and those close to her are grappling with the shock and grief of her sudden loss.
10. A Community in Mourning
The memorial service was filled with sorrow, but also with a strong sense of community as friends, family, and advocates came together to mourn Mogale’s loss. Her death has become a rallying cry for those fighting against GBV, and her memory will serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address violence against women in society.
As Tshephang Mogale is laid to rest, the questions surrounding her death remain painful for her family and loved ones. While her passing highlights the scourge of Gender-Based Violence, her legacy may help spur action in the fight to protect vulnerable individuals from similar fates.
