The murder case involving Watson Luandi, the owner of the controversial Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre, and his six co-accused has once again been postponed, with the seven accused now expected to return to court on November 12.
The case was postponed at the Tzaneen Regional Court on Thursday, October 22, after the prosecution cited two outstanding issues that prevented the matter from progressing.
State prosecutor Lamina told the court that the first stumbling block was the absence of Luandi’s legal representative, Mabunda, while the second concerned an outstanding response from the Chief Prosecutor at the Tzaneen Magistrates’ Court regarding Luandi’s request to have his case transferred to Polokwane, closer to his family.
The latest postponement represents another setback in a case that has experienced repeated delays, raising
questions about when the long-awaited trial will finally get under way.
Luandi and his six co-accused face serious charges arising from the death of 22-year-old Thato Dikgwatlhe, who allegedly died after being assaulted at the rehabilitation facility in November 2025.
Legal representation and transfer request
The issue of legal representation has repeatedly disrupted proceedings in the matter.
During an earlier appearance in August, the defence raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest arising from allegedly conflicting versions provided by some of the accused. Their legal representatives indicated that the accused might require separate legal representation to avoid compromising their respective defences.
The court was subsequently expected to give the defence time to address the outstanding legal issues.
The latest absence of Mabunda has added another complication, while the court is also awaiting a response concerning Luandi’s request to have the matter moved to Polokwane.
The request comes amid concerns about the practical difficulties Luandi’s family faces in visiting him while he remains in custody.
In an earlier ruling, however, Regional Magistrate Lamina dismissed a separate application seeking Luandi’s transfer from Haenertsburg Correctional Centre to a correctional facility in Polokwane.
His defence had argued that the move would make it easier for his wife, who lives in Moletji outside Seshego, to visit him.
It remains to be established how the outstanding request concerning the venue of the case will be resolved.
A case that began in November 2025
The case stems from the death of Dikgwatlhe at the Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre in Segwashi village, outside Polokwane, on November 3, 2025.
Dikgwatlhe’s father, Pule Dikgwatlhe, previously told the media that his son had been in good physical and mental health, apart from his alcohol problem, when he was admitted to the facility on October 12, 2025.
According to earlier reports, the family became concerned after receiving a telephone call from the rehabilitation centre informing them that Thato was unwell and had been taken to Mankweng Hospital.
His father later received another call informing him that his son had died.
The father subsequently questioned the circumstances surrounding the death, alleging that hospital staff told him his son was already dead when he was brought to the hospital.
Police investigations established that the incident allegedly began when Thato and four other patients escaped from the centre.
A security officer reportedly tracked them down and brought them back to the facility, where they were allegedly assaulted with various objects.
The assault allegedly left several patients injured, with Dikgwatlhe succumbing to his injuries.
The allegations form part of the case against the accused and remain subject to proof in court.
Alleged cover-up adds to the seriousness of the case
Previous court proceedings heard allegations that attempts were made to conceal what had happened after Dikgwatlhe’s death.
The State alleges that blood-stained clothing was destroyed, the deceased’s body was washed and his body was transported to Mankweng Hospital under circumstances that form part of the prosecution’s case.
These allegations have yet to be tested through evidence at trial, and all the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The rehabilitation centre was also reportedly found to be operating illegally and was subsequently shut down.
The incident sparked concern about the operation of rehabilitation facilities and the safety of vulnerable people entrusted to their care.
Luandi faces an additional charge
The case took another turn in July when Luandi and his co-accused appeared before the Tzaneen Regional Court following the transfer of the matter from the lower court.
During that appearance, the State added an immigration-related charge against Luandi.
Previous proceedings heard allegations that Luandi, a Zimbabwean national, had remained in South Africa after his immigration permit expired in March 2024 without renewing it.
The immigration charge is separate from the murder allegations arising from Dikgwatlhe’s death.
Luandi has also faced unsuccessful bail applications, with the State previously arguing that he posed a flight risk and could potentially interfere with witnesses.
The defence disputed the State’s position during the earlier bail proceedings.
Who are the seven accused?
Luandi is joined in the dock by six co-accused: Thabang Sello Mokoena, Tshegofatso Mabala, Jacob Mashishi, Kgomotso Malebana, Lucky Phoka and Jonas Modiba.
The accused have faced different bail outcomes during the proceedings.
Previous court reports indicated that Luandi, Mokoena, Mashishi and Malebana remained in custody after bail was refused, while Phoka and Modiba were released on bail.
Mabala was granted bail of R5,000 but subsequently encountered difficulties relating to payment and proof of payment.
The accused face charges arising from the alleged assault and death of Dikgwatlhe, including murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and defeating the ends of justice. Luandi also faces the additional immigration-related charge.
Families await progress
With the case now postponed to November 12, attention will turn to whether the outstanding issues surrounding legal representation and Luandi’s transfer request can be resolved.
The repeated postponements have delayed progress in a case involving the death of a young man whose family has been seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding his final hours.
The next appearance is expected to provide an opportunity for the court to receive an update on the outstanding issues and determine the way forward.
For now, the family of the deceased and the public will have to wait as the legal process continues.
The prosecution will ultimately have to prove its allegations beyond reasonable doubt, while the accused will have an opportunity to challenge the evidence against them.
The question remains whether the November 12 appearance will finally bring the case closer to trial or result in yet another delay.
