Lesotho police: Husband confessed to killing his magistrate wife
Lehlohonolo Makotoane – whose wife, Free State Magistrate Mamello Thamae, was found dead in their car boot – confessed to Lesotho police following his arrest.
Makotoane appeared at the Mokhotlong Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, according to the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS).
He was arrested after her lifeless body was found tied up and gagged in the boot of their Kia Sportage on Friday.
The head of Mokhotlong detectives, Detective Inspector Limpho Pitso told the court that upon questioning, Makotoane confessed to killing Thamae, blaming his actions on their broken-down marriage.
Pitso said the 41-year-old murder-accused said Thamae had filed for divorce after their marriage hit rock bottom.
Thamae in pyjamas, tied up and gagged
According to Pitso, the South African Police Service (Saps) alerted LMPS of the missing couple.
The vehicle tracker showed they had jumped the border via the Ficksburg border post.
Local police traced the car to a guest house in Mokhotlong, a 230km drive from Ficksburg.
They found the Kia Sportage at the lodge and located Makotoane after the pair were reported missing from their home in Heilbron, Free State.
“A search was undertaken, and two bags containing men’s and women’s clothes were found.
“A woman was found wearing pyjamas and tied up in the boot.
“A piece of cloth was stuffed into her mouth, with a rope tied around her head and fastened on the mouth,” Pitso was quoted as saying by police.
Women judges condemn gender-based violence
Thamae’s death sent shockwaves across the judiciary, with the SAC-IAWJ condemning the country’s unrelenting scourge of gender-based violence.
The organization said Thamae’s work was outstanding.
“She was a hardworking, dedicated, passionate, and distinguished member of the judiciary committed to her professional duties as a regional magistrate and acting judge.
“She had a sterling disposition,” SAC-IAWJ said in a statement.
However, it is not yet clear when Makotoane will be extradited back to Heilbron, Free State.
LMPS statement says he remains in custody and is expected back in court next month.
In other news – Big trouble for Edwin Sodi after photos of his lavish 50th birthday celebration cause a stir
On Sunday, controversial businessman Edwin Sodi celebrated his 50th birthday, and images of a lavish luxury multi-million rand property have gone viral on social media.
The tycoon’s birthday was attended by his girlfriend Nokukhanya Zulu, media personality Babalwa Mneno and a few other Mzansi personalities, such as Bobby Blanco. Images of a lavish dinner under the stars could be seen circulating online, attended by some high-ranking politicians, such as ANC Gauteng provincial secretary TK Nciza. Read More
