There are wounds that time simply cannot heal.
For Skeem Saam actress Lerato Marabe, who is loved by millions for playing Pretty Seakamela, now Mrs. Maphosa, June 27 is not just another date on the calendar. It is a heartbreaking reminder of one of the darkest days in her family’s history—a day that forever changed their lives.
The talented actress has touched the hearts of many South Africans after sharing an emotional tribute on her Instagram account in memory of her late cousin sister, who tragically lost her life on 27 June 2021.
The post featured what appeared to be an old photograph of her cousin sitting on a beacon in Johannesburg. It was a simple image, yet one filled with memories and emotions that words can hardly describe.
Accompanying the picture was a caption that has left many of Lerato’s followers emotional:
“I will succeed because I’m crazy.”
Those words, once spoken with confidence, ambition and youthful hope, have now become a painful reminder of dreams that were never fulfilled.
According to Lerato’s emotional tribute, that very day—the same day the photograph was taken—became the day her cousin tragically lost her life.
A Life Cut Short
The young woman reportedly died in a horrifying shooting incident that shocked her family and loved ones.
It is believed that she was shot by what has been described as an inkabi—a term commonly used in South Africa to refer to a contract killer or hitman. While details surrounding the incident remain deeply painful and sensitive, the loss continues to haunt those closest to her.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DaA6UgaCNHT/The tragedy robbed a family of a daughter, a sister, a cousin and a friend.
For Lerato Marabe, it also meant losing someone she clearly cherished deeply.
Although years have passed since that devastating day, her latest Instagram post proves that grief never truly disappears.
Instead, it changes shape.
Some days become easier.
Others, especially anniversaries, reopen wounds that never completely healed.
Remembering Someone Who Meant Everything
Social media has become more than just a place to share glamorous pictures and career milestones.
For many people, it has become a space to honour loved ones who are no longer alive.
That is exactly what Lerato chose to do.
Instead of allowing the anniversary to pass quietly, she decided to publicly remember her cousin by sharing a treasured photograph and a caption that now carries even greater meaning.
Thousands of fans who saw the post expressed sympathy and sent messages of comfort.
Many admitted they could relate to the pain of losing someone unexpectedly.
Others simply offered prayers and strength to the actress and her family.
Grief has no expiry date.
Whether it has been one year, five years or even decades, the absence of someone you love can still feel as painful as it did on the very first day.
Fans Rally Behind the Actress
Lerato Marabe has spent years entertaining South Africans through her role on Skeem Saam.
Viewers have watched Pretty grow from a lively teenager into one of the show’s most mature and respected characters.
On screen, she often portrays strength, resilience and hope.
Off screen, however, she is just like everyone else—a woman carrying painful memories while trying to move forward.
Her emotional post reminded fans that celebrities also experience heartbreak.
Behind the cameras and television lights are real people with real families and real pain.
Many followers flooded the comments section with heartfelt messages, encouraging her to stay strong while remembering her cousin with love.
Some shared their own experiences of losing siblings and relatives to violent crime, saying her tribute reminded them that they are not alone.
The Pain of Violent Crime
South Africa continues to battle high levels of violent crime, leaving countless families devastated every year.
Behind every statistic is a family forced to live with unimaginable heartbreak.
Parents bury children.
Children grow up without parents.
Siblings lose their best friends.
Cousins become lifelong mourners.
For families like Lerato Marabe’s, anniversaries serve as painful reminders of lives interrupted far too soon.
The emotional scars remain long after headlines disappear.
Memories Never Die
One photograph.
One caption.
One date.
That was enough to bring thousands of people together in remembering someone whose life ended far too early.
While the world may continue moving forward, families often remain frozen in moments that changed everything.
Every June 27 brings back memories.
The laughter.
The conversations.
The dreams.
The plans.
And ultimately, the heartbreaking reality that those moments can never be recreated.
Yet memories also become a source of comfort.
Looking back at old pictures allows families to celebrate lives that mattered.
It reminds them that although death may take someone away physically, love never truly disappears.
Lerato’s Silent Message
Although Lerato did not write a lengthy statement, her post spoke volumes.
Sometimes grief needs no explanation.
Sometimes a single photograph says everything.
Her decision to revisit that painful memory shows just how deeply she continues to miss her cousin.
It also highlights the importance of remembering those who have left us.
Life moves quickly, but love remains.
A Reminder to Cherish Loved Ones
Lerato Marabe’s touching tribute has also become a reminder to cherish the people we love while we still can.
No one knows what tomorrow holds.
A simple photograph taken today may one day become someone’s most treasured memory.
A conversation we take for granted today may become something we wish we could hear just one more time.
Life is unpredictable, making every shared moment precious.
Forever Remembered
As another June 27 passes, Lerato Marabe continues to carry the memory of her beloved cousin in her heart.
Although nothing can erase the pain of losing someone in such tragic circumstances, remembering them ensures that their legacy lives on.
Her emotional Instagram tribute has touched countless fans, many of whom have joined her in honouring the life of a young woman whose dreams were cut short far too soon.
While time continues to move forward, love refuses to fade.
For Lerato and her family, June 27 will never simply be another day on the calendar.
It will forever be a day of remembrance.
A day of tears.
A day of reflection.
And above all, a day to celebrate a life that, although tragically short, will never be forgotten.
Disclaimer: This article is based on Lerato Marabe’s public social media tribute and publicly shared information. The circumstances surrounding her cousin’s death, including reports that she was allegedly shot by an “inkabi,” have not been independently verified by this publication. Our thoughts remain with Lerato Marabe and her family as they remember their loved one.
