The owner of Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre (HOAR), Watson Luandi, has been granted legal representation through Legal Aid South Africa after appearing before the Tzaneen Regional Court on Friday, June 19, in connection with a murder case involving six co-accused.
The Zimbabwean national was represented by KP Baloyi during the proceedings. Before the matter was transferred to the Regional Court, Luandi had been represented by Marothi Mawasha throughout his bail application, which began following his arrest in November last year.
Luandi, who has allegedly been in South Africa illegally since 2024, is facing several charges alongside six co-accused. These include murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and defeating the ends of justice.
The charges relate to the death of 22-year-old Thato Dikgwatlhe, who allegedly died after being assaulted at the Segwashi-based rehabilitation centre outside Polokwane on November 3, 2025.
According to investigations, an attempt was allegedly made to conceal the circumstances surrounding Dikgwatlhe’s death. The clothes he had been wearing were reportedly burned, while his body was cleaned before being transported to Mankweng Hospital. It is alleged that the accused falsely claimed that he had died from a snakebite.
Investigating officer Detective Mathebula uncovered inconsistencies in the account given by the suspects. Her investigation revealed that Dikgwatlhe and several other patients had escaped from the rehabilitation centre but were later tracked down. Upon their return, they were allegedly assaulted with various objects, resulting in injuries that led to Dikgwatlhe’s death.
Six suspects were initially arrested, while Luandi was apprehended a few days later.
Three of the accused — Tshegofatso Mabala, Lucky Phoka and Jonas Modiba — were granted bail during earlier appearances in the District Court, where the matter had been before Magistrate MJ Mphago for the past seven months.
Luandi, Thabang Mokoena, Jacob Mashishi and Kgomotso Malebana remain in custody after prosecutor Mozane Mangena successfully opposed their bail applications. The State argued that they posed a flight risk and could potentially interfere with witnesses.
On May 29, Magistrate Mphago transferred the matter to the Regional Court, where it is now being presided over by Magistrate Sibanyoni.
During Friday’s appearance, new legal representatives were introduced. KP Baloyi will represent Luandi, while J Mukansi will represent Tshegofatso Mabala, Kgomotso Malebana and Jacob Mashishi. Thabang Mokoena is represented by Masoga, while Lucky Phoka continues to be represented by Marothi Mawasha.
Mukansi wasted no time in making an application for the reduction of Mabala’s bail amount from R5,000 to R3,000.
However, Magistrate Sibanyoni dismissed the request.
“After observing the charge sheet, I realised that you are facing a serious case, and the R5,000 bail granted to you is appropriate considering the nature of the charges,” Sibanyoni ruled.
The matter was postponed to July 9 for further proceedings.
