The murder trial of Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre owner Watson Luandi and his six co-accused is set to begin later this month after the matter was postponed by the Tzaneen Regional Court on Wednesday.
Luandi and the other accused made a brief appearance before the court, where the case was postponed to August 19 for the commencement of the trial.
The accused are facing charges of murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, defeating the ends of justice, while Luandi also faces an additional charge relating to alleged contravention of South Africa’s immigration laws.
The charges stem from the death of 22-year-old Thato Dikgwatlhe, who allegedly died after being assaulted at the Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre in Segwashi, outside Polokwane, on 3 November 2025. Prosecutors allege that Dikgwatlhe and several other patients attempted to escape from the rehabilitation facility before they were chased, apprehended and assaulted by staff members using various objects.
The State further alleges that after discovering Dikgwatlhe had died, the accused attempted to conceal the circumstances surrounding his death by burning his blood-stained clothes, washing his body to remove evidence of injuries and transporting him to Mankweng Hospital in an alleged attempt to make it appear that he had died after arriving at the medical facility.
Luandi, a Zimbabwean national, has repeatedly been denied bail after the State argued that he poses a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses. The prosecution also alleges that his permit to remain in South Africa expired in 2024 and was never renewed, leading to the additional immigration-related charge.
Luandi remains in custody alongside co-accused Thabang Mokoena, Jacob Mashishi and Kgomotso Malebana. Another accused, Tshegofatso Mabala, also remains behind bars after failing to pay bail of R5,000, while Lucky Phoka and Jonas Modiba are out on bail pending the trial.
The case has attracted widespread public attention since the rehabilitation centre was shut down following police investigations into Dikgwatlhe’s death. His family has maintained that he was in good health when admitted to the facility for treatment for alcohol addiction and continues to demand justice.
When the matter returns to the Tzaneen Regional Court on August 19, the State is expected to begin leading evidence as the long-awaited trial gets underway.
