The husband and alleged killer of a Heilbron Magistrate, whose body was found in Lesotho two weeks ago, is yet to be extradited to South Africa.

Regional Court Magistrate Mamello Thamae's (40) body was discovered with the help of her husband and in a twist of events, the husband was later arrested by the police and detained in Lesotho.

Police spokesperson Lorraine Earle told OFM News the police are still busy with arrangements for her body to be brought to South Africa for the post-mortem. She said the husband is likely to face charges of kidnapping and murder and is still in custody in Lesotho. The process for his extradition continues.

EFF and various stakeholders, including lawyers, politicians and magistrates, held a night vigil at the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court for the murdered Mamello Thamae. Photo supplied

It is alleged on Thursday 21 September 2023, Thamae arrived at her home in Heilbron. At about 04:00 the following morning (22/9), her car left the premises. Earle said the cell phone and clothes of her husband also appeared to be missing. Her clothes and cell phone were still at home and there is a strong suspicion that the vehicle drove through the Ficksburg port of entry into Lesotho. 

When finally brought back to the country the suspect will appear in the Heilbron Magistrate's Court to face the said charges.

OFM News previously reported that the EFF held a night vigil for the slain magistrate in Bloemfontein. The vigil was honoured by different roleplayers, including the EFF's Provincial Secretary, Bosanku Msimangu, Chairperson of Ward 18, Mathapelo Koena, along with the President of the ACT, Ace Magashule.

The cross-border crime between South Africa and Lesotho has previously come under the spotlight. This as a number of Lesotho nationals ended up on the wrong side of the country’s law for various serious crimes, including robbery and murder. At the receiving end of this heinous crime, it was mostly innocent civilians and police officials.
 

In 2020, an illegal Lesotho immigrant, Ramolete Masiu, accused of killing a Free State Hawks official, Captain Qeya Jonas Tshabalala (52), was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Judge Joseph Mhlambi found him guilty in the Bloemfontein High Court of robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder.

In April 2023, the North West police arrested a suspect for the possession of 14 hand grenades in Khuma, near Stilfontein outside Klerksdorp.

The illegal immigrant was arrested on Saturday 22 April 2023 for contravening the Explosive and Immigration Acts respectively.
 
OFM News