South African Mother Who Killed Daughter’s Alleged Rapist Dubbed 'Warrior Woman' Has Murder Charges Dropped

Charges against an Eastern Cape mother who allegedly murdered a 65-year-old man who allegedly raped her disabled daughter have been withdrawn.

A 44-year-old single mother in South Africa has had a murder charge officially withdrawn after she beat to death a 65-year-old man who allegedly raped her disabled daughter. The emotional decision, made at the Cacadu Magistrates’ Court in the Eastern Cape, was met with cheers from local residents and high-profile officials in attendance. The woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her daughter, had faced a charge of murder following the fatal assault.

The incident occurred after the mother returned from shopping and discovered her 20-year-old disabled daughter missing. Neighbours informed her that the young woman had been seen walking with a local man to his home. The mother rushed to the scene and found her daughter undressed in the man’s house. Witnesses say the victim pointed to her private parts when asked what had happened. Enraged, the mother and some local residents attacked the alleged rapist. The man was so severely beaten that he was declared dead at the scene when emergency services arrived.

The mother was arrested after she killed the man on 5 April 2025, this year and her charges were dropped today, the 5th of May.

South African Police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela confirmed the woman was initially arrested but later released on bail. On Monday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) officially withdrew the murder charge, citing a decision made after “careful consideration” by the Director of Public Prosecutions. National Prosecuting Authority’s Eastern Cape spokesperson Luxolo Tyali confirmed the withdrawal, prompting widespread public approval.

The mother expressed her relief and gratitude, stating, “The withdrawal of the charge means I can now help my daughter. I will now have the strength to focus fully on her well-being as she has been emotionally distressed by what happened to her.” She revealed the attacker was a family friend and said, “My daughter cannot even speak for herself, so defending her myself was the only option I had.”

High-ranking officials voiced their support, including Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta, who attended the court proceedings. Fanta described the mother’s actions as a desperate and instinctive attempt to protect her child, adding that the decision to drop the charge showed “compassion” and acknowledged the emotional complexity of such traumatic moments.

The mother made a brief appearance in the Lady Frere Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape.

“This case has sparked critical dialogue about gender-based violence, parental instincts, and the sensitivity required in the justice system,” said Fanta. Mabuyane echoed the sentiment, saying, “No parent should be forced into a position to physically intervene to keep their child from harm.”

The case has drawn parallels with that of Nokubonga Qampi, known as “Lion Mama,” who was similarly cleared of murder after killing one of three men allegedly raping her daughter in 2017. That case also saw public outcry against the initial prosecution, with legal representation offered pro bono and widespread campaigns to support her.

South Africa continues to grapple with high rates of gender-based violence. The tragic murder of 19-year-old student Uyinene Mrwetyna in 2019 during a visit to a local post office drew global attention, including a tribute from Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, during her Royal visit to Cape Town. Mrwetyna’s brutal rape and killing sparked mass protests and renewed national dialogue about the safety of women and girls in the country.