Didi a 32-year-old scientist murdered in Bramley
Police are investigating the murder of Dorcas Lekganyane who was stabbed to death allegedly by her partner. The suspect is in police custody.
Police have confirmed the murder of 32-year-old Dorcas ‘Didi’ Lekganyane who was stabbed multiple times allegedly by her partner on July 11 in Bramley.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza said the police are investigating a murder docket after responding to a domestic violence incident. “Her partner was also found in the house. He was taken to a local hospital where he was placed under police guard. He will be charged with murder and will appear in court soon.”
Lekganyane was an academic and internationally respected scientist. She was recently announced as one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans, celebrating her work, influence and impact in making the world a better place.
Last night was incredible!
I was reminded to keep having the audacity to take up space!
It is a great honour to be named @mailandguardian’s 2024 top 200 Young South Africans in the “Climate Change & Environment” category.
#WinnerClub #inspiration #Friday #Science pic.twitter.com/INUuwBzpHI— Dorcas Didi Lekganyane (@didi_lekganyane) June 28, 2024
Her family released a statement confirming her untimely passing.
WHEN WILL IT EVER STOP? WHEN WILL MEN STOP KILLING WOMEN? HOW MANY WOMSN MUST DIE UNTIL WE CHANGE OUR LAWS AND MAKE THEM HARSH TOWARDS SUCH CRIMES? HOW MANY R.I.P’ RETWEETS AND SHARES WILL IT EVER TAKE? REST IN PEACE DORCAS DIDI LEKGANYANE. #RipDLekganyane #RipDidiLekganyane pic.twitter.com/bJ6Z9gM6wI
— Stash Sgantsontso (@Jay_Stash) July 13, 2024
Lekganyane 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.
“At the time of her death, Didi had just been recognised as one of the 50 Most Inspiring Women in South Africa and received several other accolades, including the WISA DST Fellowship Master’s Degree Award for her research on traditional medicinal plants in South Africa,” the statement reads.
“The world is a poorer place today without her. As a family, we invite everyone who knew and loved her to join us in grieving this immense loss and ensuring that her legacy lives on and that justice is served. We also urge anyone
experiencing domestic violence to seek help and support — every death of a woman in South Africa at the hands of an intimate partner is one death too many.”
Her friends and colleagues took to social media to express their grief and send their condolences.
I am so saddened by the news of your passing! Just about a week ago, I was celebrating your win at the Mail & Guardian 200 Young Africans awards for climate change. This is a huge loss!
— Barnabas Daru (@Barnabas_Daru) July 13, 2024
This is extremely sad..What a loss!!! Speechless…
— Prof. Yessoufou (@Kowiyou1) July 12, 2024
What a tragic loss💔. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.
— Khanyisile Shabangu (@Khanyisile_Shab) July 13, 2024
Further details regarding memorial services will be shared in due course.
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