Central SA
Bloemfontein artist’s wife, co-accused now charged with murder─── ZENANDE MPAME 05:00 Tue, 25 Feb 2025
People linked to the killing of a missing Bloemfontein artist will now face charges of murder after DNA results confirmed his death.
Nombulelo Pheko (34) and Motlatsi Ramosoeu (39), who were previously charged with conspiracy to commit murder, will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 25 March, after they were denied bail on their previous court appearance.
DNA extracted from a burnt body of an unknown male discovered on Wednesday, 10 July near the town of Dealesville matched a family member of Pesa Pheko (37) on Wednesday (19/2).
Pheko was reported missing by his family on 10 July. Photo: X
“Due to the condition of the remains, DNA was extracted and sent for analysis,” said Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli. “The investigating team led by Capt. Sekgo, received confirmation that the DNA matched a family member of Pheko’s.”
Anyone with information related to this case may contact Sekgo of the provincial organised crime unit on 078 184 9105 or 051 507 6622.
Pheko was reported missing by his family on 10 July. He was last seen leaving his home in L-Section Botshabelo to travel to Bloemfontein by public transport for a hospital appointment.
‘It is suspected that the individual passed away from natural causes’
At the time of his disappearance, Pheko was wearing a long green bomber jacket, black jeans, black sneakers, and a grey beanie. His family believed that Nombulelo knew where her husband was.
Meanwhile, Welkom police are searching for the relatives of an unknown man believed to be in his 20s, whose body was found in a field behind the nurses’ home on the hospital premises in April last year.
An inquest case was opened for investigation after the body was found in a decomposed state. “It is suspected that the individual passed away from natural causes,” said Kareli.
‘The body has been kept at the Welkom government mortuary’
“At the time of discovery, the deceased was wearing khaki short pants, blue boxer underwear with a black belt, and a grey long-sleeved shirt with no shoes.”
The body has been kept at the Welkom government mortuary since it was discovered, but no one has come forward to identify him.
Anyone with information that may help to trace the deceased may contact Detective WO Riaan de Lange on 082 821 9227 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
