Two men (aged 75 and 92) accused of murdering 80-year-old Godfrey Thema at an old age home in the North West, died at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in the Pretoria CBD on June 25.
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said Daniel Madumo (92) and his co-accused, Jeremia Mmatli (75) facing a murder charge died in law enforcement custody on June 25.
Law enforcement reports suggest that the suspects stayed at an old age home, where they had last month assaulted another elderly man in North West where the victim sustained injuries to the head and unfortunately died before reaching a hospital.
According to DCS spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo, the two were admitted to Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre on June 3 as they were still facing court processes for the murder.
Nxumalo said Madumo had to be transferred to an outside hospital on June 22 due to health complications.
He said that the two sadly passed away, Mmatli died on June 20 and Madumo on June 24.
“With both accused now deceased, the court shall provide direction on what is to happen in the court case,” said Nxumalo.
The suspects were arrested at Jericho village outside Brits on May 30 and appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on June 3.
Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Fumani said that according to reports, a fight allegedly ensued between the suspects and the victim around 04:00 on May 30.
She said that the victim was allegedly coming from the bathroom when he met the suspects on their way to the bathroom.
“The victim allegedly bumped into one of the suspects, who hit the former with his crutches,” she said.
She said the suspect’s friend apparently joined in, and they both assaulted the victim.
Fumani said the owner of the old-age home was notified about the fight and called police.
“The victim, who sustained head injuries, was transported to hospital by ambulance but was certified dead on arrival,” said Fumani.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena said he was shocked by the tragic incident and sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
