The case against the husband of the murdered Free State magistrate has been postponed once again for the accused to secure legal aid.

Lehlohonolo Makotoane (40) told the Heilbron Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (4/8) that he had opted for legal aid due to unforeseen circumstances. He initially claimed he secured a private lawyer. He was not able to retain one, prompting the need for state-provided legal assistance.

Makotoane was arrested in Lesotho in September last year and remained in detention there until his extradition to South Africa last month. He faces charges of kidnapping and murdering his wife, Mamello Thamae (40), who was a respected magistrate at the Heilbron Regional Court and an acting judge at the Free State High Court.

During his court appearance for a bail hearing on Wednesday, Makotoane reiterated he had opted for legal aid, resulting in another postponement until Wednesday (11/9). He’ll remain in custody until his next court appearance.

Thamae’s body was discovered with the assistance of her husband, who was later arrested by the police and detained in Lesotho. According to the police, on Thursday, 21 September 2023, Thamae arrived at her home in Heilbron. Around 04:00 the next morning, her car was seen leaving the premises.

Police spokesperson Loraine Earle said Makotoane’s clothes and cell phone appeared to be missing, while Thamae’s belongings, including her clothes and cell phone, were still at home. The vehicle was suspected of having crossed the Ficksburg port of entry into Lesotho.

Cross-border crime between South Africa and Lesotho has previously been a significant concern, as several Lesotho nationals have been implicated in serious crimes in South Africa, including robbery and murder. Many of these crimes have targeted innocent civilians and police officers, adding to the growing tensions between the two countries.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi