Barely a month after marking a major milestone in her career, academic and internationally respected scientist Dorcas “Didi” Lekganyane, was reported to have been brutally murdered by her partner.
It is alleged that on July 11, police responded to a domestic violence incident when they found Lekganyane with multiple stab wounds.
After the tragic incident, it is said that her partner allegedly attempted to commit suicide.
It is reported that after being brought to the hospital, he was put under police protection.
In a statement shared publicly, her family confirmed her death, thanking the SAPS following a swift response after the tragic incident.
Her significant work and dedication was recognised when she was named one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 young South Africans in the “Climate Change & Environment” category last month.
In addition to receiving other honours, such as the Wisa (Women in Science Awards) DST Fellowship Master’s Degree Award for her research on traditional medicinal herbs in South Africa, she had been named one of the 50 most inspiring women in South Africa.
Lekganyane’s accomplishments extended beyond her studies and career, she worked with a group of rural women on a seed bank project to preserve biodiversity, among other community-based endeavours.
The statement read: “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved sister, Dorcas ‘Didi’ Lekganyane.
“In the early hours of Thursday morning, Didi was brutally taken from us in an act of senseless violence, a story we have heard too often and that has become too commonplace in our homes and our society.
“As her loved ones mourn her untimely and unfair death, we recognise that we are not alone in our loss. At 32 years old, Didi was a beacon of light, a celebrated academic and an internationally respected scientist. She 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 announced as one of the Mail & Guardian’s 200 young South Africans, celebrating her work, her influence and her impact in making the world a better place.
“She had previously 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.
“Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Didi was involved in various community initiatives, including working with a group of rural women on a seed bank project to protect biodiversity.
“She actively used media platforms to educate the public about traditional medicine and its scientific backing. She touched countless lives through her work and tireless efforts to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern science. 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.
“We would like to thank the South African Police Service for their swift response and urge the public to let the investigation run its course to ensure that justice is served. In the meantime, let us speak her name Dorcas ‘Didi’ Lekganyane.”
Women for Change, an organisation advocating against gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa, likewise shared the news, eliciting a barrage of responses from people expressing their sincere condolences to her family.
The tragic death of Lekganyane serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing gender-based violence prevalent in South Africa.
“Dorcas ‘Didi’ Lekganyane, 32, was stabbed multiple times allegedly by her partner in their home in Bramley, Joburg, on July 11, 2024. It is alleged that police responded to a domestic violence incident when they found Didi with multiple stab wounds. Her partner was also in their home, allegedly trying to commit suicide after murdering Didi.
“He was taken to the hospital, where he was placed under police guard. Police confirmed that as soon as he can appear in court, he will be charged with murder.
“Didi was an academic and internationally respected scientist. In June 2024, she was announced as one of the Mail and Guardian’s 200 young South Africans in the ‘Climate Change & Environment’ category, celebrating her important work and passion.’’
The Star