The brutal murder of 17-year-old Koketso Ramatlo has sent shockwaves through the community of Kekana Gardens, Hammanskraal, Tshwane.
Three men, aged 20, 20, and 22, have been arrested in connection with her death, following the discovery of her naked and burnt body on Friday, 3 January 2025.
Koketso was reported missing by her family on Wednesday, 1 January 2025, after she left home early that morning. Her cousin, Lucky Ramatlo (24), recounted that Koketso had returned home from New Year's celebrations, changed clothes, and then left again.
DailySun Lucky Ramatlo, the cousin of Koketso Ramatlo (27), and Koketso's grandfather Peter Ramatlo were shocked after missing Koketso's burnt body was dumped in front of their gate in Kekana Gardens, Hammanskraal on Friday, 3 January. Video by Aaron Dube pic.twitter.com/XH50QUX4pJ
— Aaron Dube (@AronDube) January 3, 2025
"She came in the morning on Wednesday from the new year's crossover and changed clothes and then left again," he explained.
The grim discovery was made by Koketso's grandfather, Peter Ramatlo (61), who found her body dumped just metres from the family's gate while unlocking it on Friday morning. The sight was horrific; her body was naked and burnt.
DailySun Mmabatho Koka, the chairwoman of the Community Policing Forum in ward 73, Hammanskraal with other CPF members, are heartbroken after the death of Koketso Ramatlo (17). Video by Aaron Dube pic.twitter.com/f3dS8lyoCz
— Aaron Dube (@AronDube) January 3, 2025
Gauteng police spokeswoman Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the arrests on Sunday, 5 January, stating that the three suspects would appear in the Moretele Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 7 January. The arrests offer a small measure of comfort to the grieving family, who are desperate for answers and justice.
The family suspects Koketso's boyfriend may be involved. Lucky Ramatlo shared their suspicions, stating: "We are suspecting her boyfriend might have been behind her killing. Some people told us that they saw the boyfriend beating her on the road in Portion 9 in Hammanskraal, Tshwane. It is suspected that the boyfriend suspected that she was cheating on him," he said.
He added that the boyfriend denied seeing Koketso when questioned.
The family is left grappling with the immense loss and the unanswered questions surrounding Koketso's death. Lucky described Koketso as a jovial and kind person.
"My cousin loved joking, and she was a good person. My cousin was happy when I last saw her. I'm heartbroken. I want justice," he said, expressing the family's fervent hope that the police investigation will bring to light the full circumstances of the tragedy and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
