BLOEMFONTEIN: The prolonged and high-profile case of slain magistrate Mamello Thamae is yet to be finalised, as the wheels of justice grind slowly. Almost two years have elapsed after the arrest of the prime suspect.
The deceased’s husband, Lehlohonolo Makotoane, is remanded in custody after he was apprehended on prima facie evidence linking him to the murder.
The pre-trial, pertaining to an instance of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), is set to continue in the Free State High Court, with the date yet to be confirmed.
Makotoane faces charges of premeditated murder, defeating the administration of justice, and kidnapping, as well as contravention of the Immigration Act.
He was arrested in Lesotho on 22 September 2023, following a full-scale search by police forces in both South Africa and Lesotho.
Law enforcement agents involved in the case include the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and the SAPS.
The police reported that Makotoane was arrested in Lesotho after Thamae’s body had been discovered in the boot of their car.
He first appeared in the Mokhotlong Magistrates’ Court in Lesotho on 26 September 2023, and was extradited to South Africa on 21 August last year to stand trial regarding the murder of his spouse.
Police investigators pointed out that Makotoane’s extradition was a significant development in ongoing efforts to bring justice to the victim.
Once in South Africa, he initially appeared in the Heilbron Magistrates’ Court, with proceedings leading to the matter being transferred to the High Court for pre-trial.
Thamae worked at the Heilbron Magistrates’ Court. According to the Black Lawyers Association Free State (BLAFS), she was very involved in education and empowerment, conducting training for the South African Judicial Education Institute (SAJEI), as well as the Legal Education and Research programme of the BLAFS.
