Murder accused Lehlohonolo Makotoane appeared in court in Lesotho. Photo: Lesotho Mounted Police Service
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.
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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.
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.
Thamae’s death sent shockwaves across the judiciary, with the SAC-IAWJ condemning the country’s unrelenting scourge of gender-based violence.
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The organisation 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.
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