Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said she is saddened by the deaths of two of the department’s officials in a suspected murder-suicide incident in Limpopo.
Kubayi’s spokesperson, Terrence Manase, said William Mapatha, deputy director for facilities in the department’s Limpopo provincial office, and Lillian Rapudi, a maintenance officer at the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court, died on June 5, in a suspected murder-suicide.
Manase said the two were known to have been in an intimate relationship.
Gender-Based Violence
“According to reports, Mr Mapatha fatally shot Ms Rapudi, making her a victim of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), before taking his own life,” said Manase.
He said Kubayi is saddened by the incident and condemned it.
“The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has learnt with deep sadness of the tragic passing of two departmental officials attached to the Limpopo provincial office.
“The minister will attend the funeral service of one of the officials on Saturday, 14 June 2025, to convey her condolences and offer support to the bereaved family and affected colleagues. Minister Kubayi, while deeply saddened by the incident, condemns this heinous act in the strongest possible terms,” said Manase.
Kubayi said she is devastated that Rapudi lost her life at the hands of a man working within the department.
“It is devastating that a woman and a colleague has lost her life so brutally. Especially at the hands of someone who was entrusted with responsibility in our own ranks. Murder is a crime and a profound injustice. But it is particularly detestable when it targets a woman and occurs within a department that leads the country’s efforts to eradicate GBVF.
Justice cluster campaign
“It is even more disheartening that this happened at a time when the Justice cluster is intensifying its interventions against the GBVF crisis,” said Kubayi.
“There is no justification for taking another’s life, especially in such a violent and irreversible way. We must all be advocates for non-violence. And we must commit ourselves to the values of dignity, dialogue, and support,” said Kubayi.
Manase said the department is deeply shocked and saddened by this incident. Especially as no prior signs of distress were reported.
“Minister Kubayi conveys her heartfelt condolences to both families during this time of immense grief.
“The minister has called on all South Africans, and in particular, officials within the department of justice. She urges them to speak out and seek help when experiencing personal or emotional challenges,” said Manase.
Minister to attend funeral
Manase said Kubayi will attend the funeral service of Rapudi on Saturday morning in Soekmekaar in Limpopo. She will honour her memory and offer support on behalf of the department.
He said the department has made necessary support available to the affected families and colleagues. This through its Employee Wellness Programme.
“The Acting Provincial Head has also visited the families to express condolences and offer ongoing support. The minister’s attendance reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to standing with victims of GBVF. Also honouring the lives of those lost to such senseless violence,” said Manase.
