Two suspects arrested in connection with Thato Molosankwe’s killing failed to appear before the Molopo Magistrate’s Court on Monday (13/7) as expected. The suspects’ first court appearance was reportedly deferred because of the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation. 

The suspects were reportedly released while police continue with further investigations. The development left members of the community and the Molosankwe family devastated after many gathered at the court expecting the matter to proceed. 

‘That’s how I felt yesterday’

Warabile Mokaila, a North West public figure known for contesting municipal by-elections as an independent candidate for Ward 15, said the events at court reopened the wounds caused by Molosankwe’s death.

“Personally, I am devastated about what transpired at court yesterday. I chose not to say anything because I had to gather my thoughts so that when I start to reflect on what happened, I do so soberly. To me, I feel like Thato Molosankwe has been killed again. What happened in May when the news broke that he passed away, that’s how I felt yesterday.”

Scores of residents stood outside the Molopo Magistrate’s Court throughout the day, Mokaila said, while others remained inside the courtroom from 08:00 until around 15:00 without food or water, hoping to witness the first court appearance of the suspects.

It was only later in the afternoon that they were informed the matter would not proceed because investigators still needed to finalise aspects of the case.

“What came to mind was: do these people know how this is taking a toll on the family? What about Thato’s children, how they feel now?

“What about the old man, what about his siblings, his family’s friends because all we wanted, all we hoped for was to finally see justice being done, but unfortunately it was not the case. Hence I’m saying I felt like Thato was being killed again. We had to relive that pain.”

Molosankwe was allegedly shot and killed in the early hours of Wednesday, 19 May, at the family business premises in Lomanyaneng village outside Mahikeng.

On Friday (10/7), North West police confirmed the arrest of two suspects, 28 and 38, in connection with the murder. The case has been investigated by detectives from the provincial murder and robbery unit. Acting North West provincial commissioner Maj. Gen. Ryno Naidoo announced the breakthrough during a media briefing in Mahikeng on Friday.

Progress

However, the family’s hopes for progress were dashed when they were informed the matter had not been enrolled in court. Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, the deceased’s brother, Tshepo Molosankwe, said the family was left heartbroken by the latest development.

“The case was unenrolled. That means the suspects could not appear in court based on a few gaps which police had to deal with. We were devastated. We were hurt about this process. They are still going to investigate, get more evidence, then present the matter to the court with the suspects. Maybe it will be different suspects, I don’t know.”

The postponement has also heightened concerns among community members about their own safety and the Molosankwe family while the investigation continues.

Despite the setback, community safety and transport management MEC Wessels Morweng sought to reassure residents  law enforcement agencies remain committed to securing justice.

Authorities are doing everything possible to ensure those responsible for Molosankwe’s murder are brought to justice and ultimately placed behind bars, he said.

The case remains under investigation, with police expected to continue gathering evidence before deciding on the next legal steps.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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