Theo Mphosi death: Further post mortem results with police
Last Wednesday, Mphosi's family stated that two independent forensic pathologists who examined the remains confirmed that he had died from poisoning.
POLOKWANE – The Department of Health on Monday announced that the state’s post mortem results for prominent businessman Theophilus Mphosi, who was buried in Bochum, had been handed over to the police.
This was confirmed by spokesperson Neil Shikwambana after the Mphosi family released a media statement. The statement revealed that a second autopsy conducted by a privately hired expert confirmed that Mphosi had been poisoned.
The family also expressed frustration over delays in releasing the state’s pathology report, which is crucial for the ongoing murder investigation.
Mphosi, head of the Rheinland Group of companies, died unexpectedly on June 5, 2022 at the age of 40.
According to his bodyguard, Mphosi started having seizures while returning from a tombstone unveiling. He had previously shown no signs of illness. The initial autopsy concluded that he died from pneumonia.
His sister, Moditswi Cindrella Ramokoto successfully petitioned the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane in August last year to have his remains exhumed for a second autopsy, which was conducted in September.
Read more: Polokwane businessman’s remains exhumed at sister’s request
Last Wednesday, the family stated that two independent forensic pathologists who examined the remains confirmed that Mphosi had died from poisoning. Despite these findings, the criminal investigation cannot proceed without the official report from the state pathologist, which is essential for moving the case forward.
“The delay in receiving the state pathology report is causing significant distress to the family and is hindering justice. Without this report, law enforcement officials cannot take the necessary steps to further investigate, charge, and prosecute those responsible for his death,” the family stated.
They emphasised that timely forensic reports are crucial in criminal investigations, especially in cases of potential foul play.
The police’s Brig Hlulani Mashaba said the case had been transferred to the Mpumalanga police to accommodate the residential address of Mphosi’s close family. However, Mpumalanga police indicated that the investigation was taken over by the National Head Office: Division Detectives.
National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe did not respond to several enquiries made by Polokwane Observer regarding this matter.
