“When we say men want us dead, it’s not a joke.” Hillary Gardee

Earlier this year on 18 January, the 28-year-old took to Twitter to share her thoughts on gender-based violence.

“When we say men want us dead, it’s not a joke.”

Hillary Gardee

Hillary was commenting on a post in which a woman had reached out for help after she had fallen into a dark downward spiral.

The unknown woman was mourning her failed relationship and battle with deteriorating mental health.

On Tuesday, the police announced a manhunt was underway to find Hillary’s killer shortly after she was found deceased earlier that morning.

Hillary took to social media on the same day she had disappeared, 29 April, saying May is going to be a very long month.

Hillary was reportedly last seen at the Super Spar in Mbombela, Mpumalanga grocery shopping with her adopted three-year-old child.

Searches and pleas to find her continued for days. However, her child was found unscathed.

Commander-in-chief of the EFF Julius Malema shared his anguished thoughts on Hillary’s killing.

“They killed her. The daughter of our former SG Commissar Godrich Gardee. May her soul rest in perfect permanent peace; we will find them.”

EFF leader Julius Malema.

Others have also taken to share their grief with the Gardee family. The EFF and ANC issued public condolence messages, and police minister Bheki Cele visited the family in Mpumalanga.

The EFF says in a statement the whole party mourns Hillary’s death and would work to ensure her memory is preserved.

ANC Parliamentary chief whip Pemmy Majodina says the loss of a child is the most heartbreaking tragedy a parent can ever go through and leaves a void that can never be filled.