The Phora family is desperately seeking justice and closure following the brutal stabbing of their 26-year-old son, Ofentse Tebogo Phora, in Springs CBD, as they appeal to the public and law enforcement agencies to help bring his alleged killer to book.

Still struggling to come to terms with his sudden death, the family approached African Times, hoping that publicity surrounding the case would help investigators track down the person they believe is responsible for taking their loved one’s life.

Ofentse was fatally stabbed in the chest at about 6am on November 5, 2026, in the Springs CBD, between PEP and Jet stores along the Avenues.

According to the family, CCTV footage from an FNB branch near the scene captured the incident. They said the footage was shown to them by the bank and subsequently provided to the investigating officer.

The family spokesperson, well-known journalist Basetsana Phora, said the footage had left them devastated, particularly because they believe it shows the moment Ofentse was stabbed in the chest.

“We are pained and saddened as a family. What we know for a fact is that Ofentse was stabbed in the heart and that led to his death, as shown in the CCTV footage,” she said.

According to accounts shared with the family by people who witnessed the incident, the alleged suspect had earlier been involved in a confrontation with another group.

Phora said the family was told that the woman allegedly dropped her handbag, which reportedly contained a cellphone. When she went to retrieve it, the cellphone was allegedly missing, and she accused the victims of having taken it.

She was told that an attempt to defuse the situation, Ofentse reportedly offered the woman his own cellphone.

However, the family is still trying to establish exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the fatal stabbing.

“We are also still trying to put together the pieces of what the conversation or argument was at that moment. The footage shows the suspect grabbing Ofentse’s cellphone and house keys, throwing both items to the ground and then stabbing him and another victim in the chest area,” Phora said.

The second victim survived the attack but is reportedly still in hospital. The family said they were not aware of his current condition but were praying for his full recovery.

For the Phora family, the pain has been compounded by the fact that people who allegedly witnessed the attack are afraid to come forward and provide statements.

Phora said some eyewitnesses had communicated with the family but were reluctant to be identified because they feared for their safety.

“They told us they wish they could speak openly about what happened so that the family can get closure. We understand their fears, but we are appealing to anyone with information to assist the police,” she said.

The family alleges that the suspect is known in Springs CBD and has appealed to residents who may know her whereabouts to assist law enforcement.

Phora said the family had also received anonymous messages through Facebook inboxes and text messages from people claiming that the woman had been seen at Comfort Courts, a block of flats in the Springs CBD.

The information was reportedly passed on to the investigating officer. However, the family said they were informed that police had been unable to locate her.

“We are calling on the country, law enforcement agencies and media houses to help us with this situation. We want this person to be found, arrested and brought before the courts to face the full might of the law,” she said.

The family has also shared photographs of the woman on social media in an effort to generate information that could assist the investigation.

African Times contacted Gauteng police for confirmation of the case.

Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that a murder case had been opened at Springs Police Station.

“According to the case number provided, a case of murder was opened at Springs Police Station on November 5, 2026. No arrests have been made at this stage. Police investigations are ongoing,” Sibeko said.

Ofentse, who was born on December 28, 1999, had recently started working at a company the family described as a fantastic opportunity for him.

His death has left a devastating void in the lives of his parents, brother and extended family. He also leaves behind a five-year-old son who will now grow up without his father.

“As a family, we are hurt, sad and shocked,” Phora said.

The family is preparing to lay Ofentse to rest, with his funeral service scheduled to take place between 8am and 10am before mourners proceed to Nokuthula Cemetery.

But as they prepare to say their final goodbyes, the family says burying Ofentse will not mean the end of their fight for answers.

For them, justice means finding the person responsible, ensuring that the case is properly investigated and that those who witnessed the tragedy can come forward without fear.

Their message is simple: Ofentse was a son, a father and a young man with a future. His family wants his death not to become another unsolved murder.