The North West murder and robbery unit has taken over the investigation into the killing of Thato Molosankwe, who was shot dead at his home in Lomanyaneng village in the early hours of Wednesday morning (20 May). He sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the attack. 

Acting national police commissioner Lt. Gen. Puleng Dimpane has instructed acting provincial commissioner Maj. Gen. (Dr) Ryno Naidoo to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and “to ensure maximum resources are deployed to hunt down” his killers, said national police spokesperson Brig. Athlenda Mathe. 

Molosankwe has been described by local police as a committed community activist who worked closely with law enforcement in the fight against crime and corruption. He was also known for advocating stronger relations between police and local communities. 

He frequently spoke out on issues relating to local economic development and had criticised the presence of illegal foreign nationals operating businesses in and around Mahikeng.

Police have appealed to members of the public with information about the murder to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or provide anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPS app. 

Social media reaction

The murder has sparked widespread reaction on social media, with many users expressing concern about the safety of those who speak out against crime.

“I once said it – just mind your business in SA. The more you raise your voice or your head, the more you create enemies,” wrote Webster Mhandu on Facebook.

Another user, Maloke Mashabela, encouraged communities to continue advocating for the causes Molosankwe supported. 

Messages of sympathy have also come from beyond South Africa’s borders. Chisha Esther from Zambia called the killing tragic and urged peaceful solutions to immigration-related tensions.

“South Africans are known to be peaceful people, and all they ask is that illegal immigrants respect the law and leave the country if they are there unlawfully. Every nation has the right to protect its borders, economy, citizens, and security.

“Even here in Zambia, we are dealing with the issue of illegal immigrants, which has become a concern for many citizens. Wanting immigration laws to be respected does not mean people hate foreigners – it simply means there must be order, legal processes, and respect for the country’s laws.”

She also appealed for unity and nonviolence. 

“Violence, hatred, and the loss of innocent lives should never be the answer. Africa is our home, and solutions must come through justice, dialogue, peace, and proper immigration systems – not attacks or division.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh

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