The body of the murdered Heilbron Magistrate is back in South Africa.

On Thursday (5/10), Free State Magistrate Mamello Thamae’s body was repatriated from the neighbouring country of Lesotho. OFM News understands the body of the murdered magistrate was kidnapped and murdered, allegedly by her husband. She was found in Lesotho after she was reported missing on Thursday (21/9).

The 40-year-old's body was discovered with the help of her husband. However, in a twist of events, he was later arrested by the police and detained in Lesotho, waiting to be extradited to South Africa. Her body is now set to go for a post-mortem.

Police spokesperson Lorraine Earle previously told OFM News the husband of the late magistrate is likely to face charges of kidnapping and murder. Earle said the husband was still kept in custody in Lesotho waiting for extradition to face the aforementioned charges at the Heilbron Magistrate’s Court. 

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. Innocent civilians and police officials are mostly at the receiving end of these heinous crimes. 

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

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

OFM News