A family from Tsietsi Extension Seven is satisfied with the justice system following the conviction of Cyril Sikhakhane, who was sentenced to 12 years for the murder of their son Bonang Motloung in April 2017.
The court declared Sikhakhane to be unfit to possess a firearm.
Bonang was assaulted while travelling home from a club in a minibus taxi with a group of friends from his neighbourhood.
He was taken to hospital before he succumbed to the injuries and died in hospital.
Sikhakhane (27) was arrested and found guilty of murder.
The mother of Bonang, Nthabi Tsotetsi, said although it was a long and painful process they are delighted because of the support they received from Detective Srgt Sello Mokgele who investigated the case.
“It was hard to listen to what happened to my son in court,” said Tsotetsi.
“It broke my heart because my son died a painful death.”
According to Bonang’s stepfather Tshepo Tsotetsi, Sikhakhane was not known to the family as the two were not friends.
The case has not only affected the family emotionally, but their relationship with neighbours also went from good to bitter. Especially because the families never got a chance to sit down and discuss the matter in a calm manner.
“We do not look at each other, we do not great or speak to each other because this thing is really painful. It is something that occurred in our block and the children involved are from here,” said Tsotetsi.
Even though the family was already having a hard time attending court, it was more difficult for the mother after the suspect received bail.
“It was terrible when he was granted bail. When we got out of court Sikhakhane was laughing. He assumed that he was going to win the case.
The family said they had to attend counselling. For now, they have to accept that there is nothing they can do to change what happened.
Bonang is described as a very quiet and respectful person who loved people and doing home chores.
Comment from a witness
A witness spoke to Kathorus Mail on grounds of amenity. The anonymous source will be named Joe Melodi, and his mother Merriam Melodi for the purpose of the article.
Joe explained that he was best friends with Bonang since 2011.
He said on that day Sikhakhane collected them to travel to Eskhalene. They travelled together because Sikhakhane is known to him.
“I don’t know what they were fighting about. I was driving while the owner of the car was seating next to me. Bonang was seated behind me. He suddenly held me from the back as if he was trying to choke me while I tried to control and stop the car,” said Joe.
“I did not see what happened after that I had to the car out of the road.
“I’m not happy because my friend died, yet I’m happy because justice was served. Those who accused me will see that I had nothing to do with the murder of Bonang. I even received death threats. I was living in fear.”
Merriam said it was a painful experience especially for the family of the diseased.
“The family thinks that we were not affected but we are. We still ask ourselves how our children ended up being involved in such a tragedy,” said Merriam.
She said two families have become estranged.
Background story
Mokgele confirmed the pair were travelling in a minibus taxi with a group of approximately six or seven individuals, including both females and males from their neighbourhood.
“They went out for amusement in Katlehong. As they were travelling back, they started assaulting each other. It was a brutal assault. I understand the suspect used whatever was available as a weapon.”
Mokgele said they were unable to pinpoint the motive.
“I won’t say cracking the case was easy. The witness was afraid to come forward willingly, I had to convince them. I had to make sure they believe in the law and give them assurance that the law will protect them.
“When witnesses are neighbours you wouldn’t expect trouble in bringing the murderer to book.”
The suspect was first arrested on April 13 in Braamfischer, Soweto, where he fled after the incident.
“We arrested him at his home, he never thought we would come.”
Mokgele said the suspect acknowledged the incident and partially admitted guilt before he was handcuffed and taken to Katlehong police station.
He was charged with murder and appeared in court.
“He was granted bail and fled to Nqothu in Kwa-Zulu-Natal. He was arrested again.”
Mokgele said he is happy that justice has been served.
