The husband of a slain Free State magistrate, suspected of her murder, has finally been extradited from Lesotho following months of intensive legal and diplomatic efforts.

Mamello Thamae (40), a magistrate at the Heilbron Regional Court at the time of her death, was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by her husband, Lehlohonolo Makotoane (40).

He was detained in Lesotho since his arrest on 22 September last year, a few days after his wife’s body was discovered. He allegedly fled to the neighbouring country shortly after the alleged murder, sparking a manhunt that involved cooperation between the South African police, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, and Interpol.

Lehlohonolo Makotoane (40), a suspect in the murder case of the Heilbron magistrate, was extradited from Lesotho to South Africa. Picture: SAPS

On Wednesday (21/8), police confirmed Makotoane’s extradition, marking a critical step forward in the pursuit of justice.

Free State police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele expressed the significance of the development. “SAPS is pleased to announce a significant development in our ongoing efforts to bring justice to victims of violent crimes.

“We have successfully facilitated the extradition of Lehlohonolo Makotoane, a suspect in the murder case of the Heilbron magistrate. The extradition processes were launched following all applicable legal protocols and with the cooperation of Lesotho authorities.”

Lehlohonolo Makotoane (40), husband of the late Heilbron magistrate, was extradited from Lesotho to South Africa. Picture: SAPS

Thame’s body was repatriated to South Africa shortly after its discovery in Lesotho, where it underwent a post-mortem examination before her burial. Makotoane first appeared in the Mokhotlong Magistrate’s Court in Lesotho on 26 September on charges of murder.

The Director of Public Prosecution, Adv. Navilla Somaru, had previously confirmed to OFM News that the necessary documentation to expedite the process was delivered in November 2023. Somaru highlighted the importance of adhering to legal protocols and timelines during such a sensitive case.

It is alleged that on Thursday, 21 September 2023, Thamae arrived at her home in Heilbron. At about 04:00 the following morning her car left the premises. Police spokesperson Loraine 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.

Makotoane is expected to appear in the Heilbron Magistrate’s Court on Friday (23/8), to face charges of murder and kidnapping.

The recent spike of missing women found murdered by their partners in the Free State has raised a serious concerns.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg