Qacha’s Nek, Jan. 30 —A group of concerned and grieving villagers from Tebellong, Ha Phatela marched to the Qacha’s Nek Magistrate Court prosecution offices, demanding clarity on the progress of the case surrounding the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Bohlokoa Mphephe.
Mphephe was shot and killed on January 8, 2026, at Tebellong, Ha Mahabe, sustaining three gunshot wounds to the back of the head, left eye and upper left arm in what police described as an execution-style killing.
The demonstrators carried placards bearing messages such as “Justice for Bohlokoa” and “No Bail for Motsamai.”
Earlier this month, three men appeared briefly before Senior Resident Magistrate Ts’eliso Bale and were remanded in custody on a charge of murder, contrary to Section 40 (1) of the Penal Code Act No. 6 of 2010, read with Section 109 (3).
The accused include 32-year-old Ntsane Mahabe, who allegedly acted in common purpose with Motsamai Mosuhli, Lehlohonolo Moeletsi, Sekoala Mahlo and Lithatong Kolisang in the killing.
The prosecution has since applied, under Section 140 (1)(a) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act No. 9 of 1981, to join Mahlo, 26, of Ha Rapase, Ha Pheello, and Moeletsi, 28, of Lebakeng, Ha Letete, as co-accused in the matter (CR04/26).
Mahlo also faces a separate charge of unlawful possession of a firearm under the Internal Security (Arms and Ammunition) Act No. 4 of 1999, as amended. Police allege that on January 15, 2026, he unlawfully acquired a .38 Special Amadeo Rossi S.A firearm, serial number 223134, with one round of ammunition, without a firearm certificate.
Speaking at the gathering, Lebakeng Development Trust Coordinator Moholehi Mosiuoa said villagers had come to court after learning that the suspects were due to appear, despite uncertainty about the nature of the proceedings.
“As broken-hearted people, we decided to come and hear the progress of the case from the court and police, and to know whether justice will be served swiftly,” Mosiuoa said. “We wanted to be addressed by those handling the case so we can know whether there is hope.”
He added that the community’s greatest fear was seeing suspects released after a short detention period, leaving victims’ families and residents traumatised.
“All we want to know is what is happening with the case,” he said.
Ha Phatela Chief Maama Phatela echoed the community’s frustration, saying residents had gathered in large numbers after learning that court proceedings were scheduled.
“Some have already left, we were more than this,” he said. “People wanted to hear the proceedings and even see the suspects.”
Addressing the crowd, Senior Crown Counsel Tsotang Maile explained that murder trials are heard in the High Court, while appearances before the Magistrate Court are limited to remand proceedings.
“They were charged on January 15, 2026, and today they only appeared for remand while awaiting directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),” Advocate Maile said.
“The DPP will determine whether the charge proceeds as murder or is amended to attempted murder, depending on the evidence.”
He stressed that the accused remain in custody and have not been granted bail, adding that they were remanded to February 12, 2026, which is not a hearing date. He urged residents not to spread misinformation and advised that formal hearing dates would be communicated through the chief and witnesses.
Advocate Maile further pledged to visit Tebellong to sensitise residents on legal processes, including bail, explaining that while bail is a constitutional right, it is granted at the court’s discretion after considering risks such as absconding or interference with investigations.
As the explanations were given, emotions remained high. 75-year-old Ha Phatela resident ’Mathuso Ramphalla openly expressed her anguish, calling on God to prevent the suspects from being granted bail.
“We hate bail,” she said. “The chances of the suspect running away are high because he has money and can live anywhere.”
Speaking later to the Agency, Ramphalla said she hoped the suspects would receive lengthy sentences, describing the killing as brutal and calculated.
“They must serve 45 years’ jail-time because we are afraid of them,” she said.
Another resident, Ts’ele Khutlang, said the community lives in fear, alleging rumours of a list of intended victims.
“They should get life sentences,” he said.
Investigations by the Agency suggest the killing may be linked to disputes surrounding initiation schools.
It is alleged that Mosuhli, a former initiation school owner, hired the suspects after the victim allegedly disrespected him.
On the day of the murder, Mphephe was reportedly returning from an initiation gathering when one suspect tracked his movements while others carried out the attack. A companion escaped unharmed.
For a community grappling with fear and grief, the case has become a test of trust in the justice system and whether it can deliver not only convictions, but reassurance that life and law still hold meaning in their village.
Ends/MAPM/ml
