Shock As A 23-year-old Young Woman Was St@bbed To D3ath By Ex-boyfriend At Her Workplace

 

A typical Sunday afternoon at Protea Glen Mall in Soweto took a horrifying turn when the life of a young woman was brutally taken within the very walls of her workplace. Snenhlanhla Mathosi, a 23-year-old employee at Pick n Pay, was fatally stabbed in front of colleagues and shoppers, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend. The disturbing act has sent shockwaves throughout South Africa, stirring emotions of anger, grief, and renewed calls for action against gender-based violence.

Described by friends as kind-hearted and diligent, Snenhlanhla was on duty when the incident occurred on 4 May 2025. Shoppers who had gone to the mall for groceries were instead met with chaos and screams echoing from the store where she worked. Eyewitness accounts suggest the attack was sudden and ferocious. The suspect, whose name has yet to be officially released, was apprehended at the scene by authorities.

Emotions ran high as word spread of the tragedy. People gathered around the entrance of the store, some in disbelief, others overcome with grief. A manager at the store, who requested anonymity, said the entire team was traumatized by the attack. "She was like a little sister to many of us. None of us could have imagined something so violent happening here," they said.

Snenhlanhla’s killing has ignited a wave of fury online, with the hashtag #JusticeForSnenhlanhla gaining traction as thousands of South Africans took to social media to express condolences and demand accountability. The public outcry reflects a nation still reeling from a continued surge in intimate partner violence, which has claimed countless lives over the years.

Public Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku visited Protea Glen Mall following the incident. He also made a stop at the local police station to receive a briefing and engage with the investigating officers. His visit, although brief, was a significant gesture aimed at acknowledging the severity of the crime and the need for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies.

Emerging reports, still unconfirmed by police, suggest that the knife used in the attack may have been purchased from a shop in or near the mall. If proven true, it raises serious questions about mall security protocols and how such an object was brought into a high-traffic retail space without detection. Law enforcement officials have yet to comment in detail on the possibility of premeditation or how the suspect gained access to Snenhlanhla while she was at work.

The tragic incident also underscores the vulnerability of women, even in public, ostensibly secure spaces. Snenhlanhla had reportedly ended the relationship prior to the attack, a factor that often correlates with increased danger for women leaving abusive or volatile partners. Activists have long highlighted this period—post-separation—as one of the most dangerous in abusive relationships, where violent retaliation is a common and tragic outcome.

Many community members are questioning whether more could have been done to protect her. Calls for better workplace safety protocols, particularly for women dealing with harassment or threats from former partners, have intensified. “Women should not have to die to prove a point. We need to see action, not just tweets,” one Soweto resident wrote on social media.

A memorial of flowers and candles began forming outside Pick n Pay by Monday morning. Messages of love and heartbreak adorned the storefront, with strangers and friends alike paying tribute. Some left handwritten notes, while others simply stood in silence, overwhelmed by the senseless loss.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the arrest of the suspect, who is expected to appear in court later this week. Authorities have assured the public that the investigation is moving swiftly, and all leads—including the source of the weapon—are being thoroughly pursued.

Gender-based violence has been called South Africa’s "second pandemic," and the murder of Snenhlanhla Mathosi is a chilling reminder of the country's ongoing struggle. Advocacy groups are once again urging the government to fast-track policies that protect women and ensure justice is delivered swiftly and fairly. The anger and despair felt across the nation reflect not only mourning for one young woman but also deep frustration at a justice system that many feel too often fails to deter such violence.

As her family prepares for funeral arrangements, the nation watches closely, hoping that justice will not only be served in court, but that her death may lead to meaningful change—change that ensures no woman is ever again left defenseless in the face of danger.