A promising young scientist who has received numerous accolades for her work was killed, allegedly by her partner in a domestic violence incident.

Dorcas ‘Didi’ Lekganyane was recently named one of Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans and chosen as one of the 50 Most Inspiring Women in South Africa. She was found stabbed multiple times in Bramley on Thursday.

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

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza says the police are investigating a murder docket after responding to a domestic violence incident.

Kweza says Lekganyane’s partner was found in the house where she was killed. He was taken to hospital under police guard and is expected to be charged with murder soon.

Lekganyane was an academic and internationally respected scientist. Her announcement as one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans, celebrated her work and influence in making the world a better place.

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 traditional medicine and environmental science fields. She was known for her passion and commitment to cultural inclusivity and biodiversity preservation 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 family’s 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 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 share their condolences.

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our dear friend, Dorcas Didi Lekganyane, a cherished member of the ACDB family with whom we shared countless memories. Her kindness and warmth touched us all. Didi was truly amazing and will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/I4NTSecgnX

— ACDB lab (@acdblab) July 12, 2024