A large group of community members gathered outside the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, calling for justice for 21-year-old Thando Konyane, whose murder has sparked renewed concern over gender-based violence in the community.
The accused, 38-year-old German Sedupane, appeared in court in connection with Konyane’s murder. The matter was postponed to 28 July 2026 after Legal Aid was unavailable to represent the accused.
Konyane, from Block H in Soshanguve, was an active member of the Presbyterian Bethesda Soldiers of God Church. She was allegedly found stabbed to death in a rented room in Soshanguve Block F on 9 July 2026. Police later arrested the accused in Johannesburg on 12 July 2026 after he allegedly attempted to flee.
The case attracted support from several organisations, the government, the ANC Women’s League, the ANC Youth League and ActionSA, whose members joined residents outside the court in solidarity with the victim’s family.
ANC member, Nontokozo Shembe, said the organisation had attended both court appearances and was disappointed by the repeated postponements.
“We are here to stand with the family and the community. We want the justice system to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. We are also asking the court to communicate postponements more effectively so that community members are properly informed,” said Shembe.
ANC Youth League Tshwane Region spokesperson Dineo Nkanjana apologised for the limited attendance by young people, saying many members had not received adequate notice of the court proceedings.
“We may not have come in large numbers today because of the late communication, but we will continue to support the family and stand against gender-based violence,” said Nkanjana.
One community member, who requested anonymity, said residents were frustrated by the continued violence against women.
“We are tired of seeing incidents like this in our communities. Women should feel safe where they live, and we want stronger action against gender-based violence,” the resident said.
The case will return to the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court on 28 July 2026.
