The family of the late Free State magistrate allegedly murdered by her husband has expressed mixed emotions following his extradition to South Africa.

Mamello Thamae (40), a respected magistrate of the Heilbron Regional Court and acting judge of the Free State High Court, was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by her husband.

Lehlohonolo Makotoane (40) was arrested in Lesotho in September last year and was detained there until his extradition to South Africa last week. He appeared in the Heilbron Magistrate’s Court on Friday (23/8) where his case was postponed to Wednesday to allow for new legal representation.

The uncle of the late Heilbron Magistrate, Mzwekhaya Mohobo.  Photo supplied 

The family’s still reeling from the tragedy, said Thamae’s uncle, Mzwekhaya Mohobo. But he did express their appreciation for the swift response from both the South African and Lesotho justice systems.

“As Thamae’s family, we are very happy that the accused has finally been extradited from the Kingdom of Lesotho to the Republic of South Africa to face the charges brought against him, where he has allegedly committed various crimes.”

Mohobo shared the family’s profound grief and anger. “It’s very difficult for us to come to terms with what has happened to our loved one, we are still struggling with that. But we do hope at the end of the day, justice will prevail.”

He extended the family’s gratitude to the SA justice system and the Lesotho Ministry of Justice and Law for their prompt actions in arresting and extraditing the accused. Though nothing can bring back their beloved Mamello, Mohobo said the family remained hopeful that the legal process will lead to a fair outcome.

He described Thamae as a “dedicated and hardworking” individual who committed her life to ensuring justice prevailed in her community. “We were expecting a lot from her before her life was cut short.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg