A young environmental scientist, Dorcas Lekganyane, was found dead with multiple stab wounds and the police have taken her boyfriend into custody.
The gruesome discovery comes after their response to a complaint of domestic abuse. According to the police, Lekganyane’s body was discovered at a Bramley home on Thursday.
Noxolo Kweza, a spokesperson for the Gauteng police, stated that a murder case was being probed.
Her companion will appear in court
“Her companion was discovered within the residence as well. After being brought to a nearby hospital, he was held under police observation. He’ll be brought up on murder charges and make an appearance in court soon,” said Kweza.
In a statement, her family said they were saddened by her passing, but they acknowledged that they are not alone in the grief.
“At 32 years of age, Didi was a beacon of light, a celebrated academic and an internationally respected scientist.
“She was a prominent voice in the fields of traditional medicine and environmental science, known for her passion and unwavering commitment to cultural inclusivity and biodiversity preservation both in South Africa and beyond its borders,” the statement read.
One death is too many
Every death of a woman in South Africa at the hands of an intimate partner, said the statement, is one death too many.
“We would like to thank the South African Police Service for their swift response and urge the public to let the investigation run its course to ensure that justice is served.”
In addition to being named one of South Africa’s 50 Most Inspiring Women, Lekganyane has won numerous other honours, such as the WISA DST Fellowship Master’s Degree Award for her studies on the country’s traditional medicinal herbs.
She made a concerted effort to inform the public about traditional medicine’s scientific foundation through the use of media outlets.
In June, Lekganyane was recognised by the Mail & Guardian as one of the 200 most influential young South Africans.
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