A Tsietsi, Extension Seven, Palm Ridge, family is satisfied with the justice system following the recent conviction of Cyril Sikhakhane, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the murder of Bonang Motloung in April 2017.
Motloung was assaulted while travelling home from a club in a minibus taxi with a group of friends. He sustained injuries and was taken to hospital before succumbing to the injuries in hospital.
Sikhakhane was arrested and charged with murder. On May 28, he was found guilty and unfit to possess a firearm.
According to Det Sgt Sello Mokgele of Katlehong SAPS, the two were returning from an event in Eskhalene when Motloung was murdered.
“Initially, there were three suspects, but it turned out the other two did not participate in the assault,” said Mokgele.
Mokgele said there was no precise reason or motive for the murder identified.
“They accused each other of many things. It was just silly things influenced by alcohol,” he explained.
Mokgele said he is happy that justice has been served.
“I was in contact with the deceased’s family most of the time. They are people who believe in the law and supported me throughout. I believe they are happy with the outcome,” said Mokgele.
Motloung’s mother, Nthabi Tsotetsi, said although it was a long and painful process, they are delighted with the outcome.
“It was hard, especially when we had to attend court, having to listen to statements,” said Tsotetsi.
“It broke my heart because my son died a painful death.”
The case has not only affected the family, but their relationship with neighbours as well.
“We do not look at each other, we do not greet or speak to each other because all the children involved are from here,” said Tsotetsi.
She said it was difficult for her after the suspect received bail.
“My worst court day was when that boy was granted bail. When he got out of court, he was laughing, assuming he was going to win the case.
“I was broken and hurt that day. He thought it was over because there was no evidence, but God was looking,” said Tsotetsi.
Motloung is described as a very quiet and respectful person who loved people, chores, cars and laughing.
“We are happy about the conclusion of the case. We can’t bring back a person but appreciate the role the justice system played,” said Tsotetsi.
Witness Joe Melodi* and his mother, Merriam Melodi*, spoke to Kathorus MAIL about the incident.
When asked about the event, Melodi said he did not remember a lot, as he was drunk.
He said they were travelling with Sikhakhane and others from Eskhalene, as Sikhakhane is known to him.
“I don’t know what they were fighting about. I was driving and Motloung was seated in the back. As they were arguing, he held on to me from behind, but I was choking and had to stop the car,” said Melodi.
“I did not see what happened after that, as I had to move the car.”
He said he is happy the justice system played its role because people spoke negatively about him.
“I’m not happy because my friend died. I am happy because justice was served. People who accused me will see I had nothing to do with the murder,” he explained.
“I received death threats and was living in fear,” he said.
His mother said it was a painful experience, especially for Motloung’s family.
“They think we were not affected by this, but a child died. We asked ourselves how our children ended up in a situation like this,” she said.
“We went to the family’s house and they questioned us like we were there when this happened, but we don’t know what happened either.
“I said I did not want to get involved, the children must speak and be accountable for their actions. I think that is what upset them because at the time I did not know a child had died.”
The two families haven’t spoken since the event.
* Pseudonyms
