A candlelight ceremony, organised by the Tshegofatso Pule Foundation (TPF), was held in memory of GBV victim Lebogang Sikwane in Meadowlands, Soweto Zone 3, on November 13.

The community of Meadowlands came out in numbers to support the bereaved family, from friends, those who knew Sikwane and those showing support in the fight against GBV.

This came after the suspect appeared at the Orlando Magistrate’s Court on November 12, which postponed the case to November 19 after the suspect requested legal aid.

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The community marched to the Meadowlands Police Station and around the community to raise awareness and show support.

ANC ward members, the SAPS, CPFs and the TPF came out as well to show support.

Botlhale Modisane, the spokesperson of the TPF, said the point of the foundation is to raise GBV awareness in communities.

“We took it upon ourselves with other organisations to raise awareness using this case as we do with other cases, by including the community and chanting and singing to show that we are against such occurrences, no matter your age or what you identify as. We have realised that the perpetrators are close to the victims; in this instance, a neighbour,” said Modisane.

The service started outside the family home with the community singing and praying. They then marched around the block with boards and candles to offer their condolences.

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A community member who wanted to remain anonymous said, “I stand on behalf of the community here.

“We are heartbroken and saddened by what happened. Lebo was a child in this community that we expected to outlive us. However, it seems like an evil spirit has attacked our communities. I offer our condolences to the Sikwane family.”

The suspect will reappear on November 19 2025.