Conflicting testimony delays Hope of Achievers Rehab murder case again

The murder case involving seven accused linked to the Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre has been postponed to November 25, 2026, after conflicting testimonies among the accused raised fresh concerns about their legal representation.

The case was heard at the Tzaneen Regional Court on Thursday, November 12, where the presiding officer, Regional Magistrate Lamina, postponed proceedings to allow the defence to find an additional legal representative.

One of the defence lawyers, Ms Mabunda, told the court that she was struggling to obtain consistent versions from the suspects she represents, arguing that additional legal assistance was necessary for the case to proceed effectively.

"Your Honour, it is very difficult for me to gather enough evidence from the suspects because every time I get conflicting evidence from them, and I think I really need help with an extra legal representative to help me," Mabunda told the court.

The magistrate subsequently adjourned proceedings for an hour before the matter was postponed to November 25.

Earlier, Magistrate Lamina informed accused number two, Watson Luandi, that his application to have the case transferred to Polokwane had been unsuccessful.

The court also heard that the State had added an assault charge to the existing charges against the accused.

Seven accused face serious charges

The seven accused are Watson Luandi, Thabang Sello Mokoena, Tshegofatso Mabala, Jacob Mashishi, Kgomotso Malebane, Lucky Phoka and Jonas Modiba.

They are facing charges arising from the death of 22-year-old Thato Dikgwatlhe, who allegedly died following an assault at the rehabilitation centre on November 3, 2025.

The charges reported in the case include murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and defeating the ends of justice. Luandi is also facing an immigration-related charge.

The State has previously alleged that Dikgwatlhe and other patients escaped from the facility before being apprehended and assaulted. Prosecutors have further alleged that attempts were made to conceal evidence after his death.

These allegations have yet to be fully tested in court.

More than a year in custody

The case has been marked by repeated postponements and disputes over bail and legal representation.

Although the incident occurred in November 2025, the accused have spent different periods in custody, depending on their individual bail circumstances. Previous reports indicate that Luandi, Mokoena, Mashishi and Malebane were denied bail, while Mabala was granted bail of R5,000 but initially remained behind bars because he could not raise the amount. Phoka and Modiba were previously released on bail.

The latest postponement has raised further questions about when the matter will proceed without interruptions.

The court is expected to revisit the issue of legal representation when the accused return on November 25.