Revered ANC veteran Professor Mathole Motshekga and his family are reeling in pain following the tragic death of one of his sons Tshepo Lesley Motshekga, who succumbed to severe burn injuries after a devastating house fire.
Lesley died at a Limpopo hospital on July 26 2026 after spending several days fighting for his life. He had sustained extensive burn wounds when one of the family’s homes in Mamokhadi Village in Bolobedu district caught fire while he was asleep. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a heartbroken family and a community struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
He was 51.
News of his passing has cast a sombre mood over Mamokhadi Village, where residents are still trying to process the devastating loss. Those who knew Lesley have described the tragedy as one that has shaken the entire community, with many expressing sadness that a life was cut short in such heartbreaking circumstances.
The Motshekga family members are now preparing to bid him a final farewell. Lesley will be laid to rest on Saturday in Mamokhadi communal cemetery, where relatives, friends, community members and mourners from across Limpopo are expected to gather to pay their last respects.
His death has also drawn condolences from those who knew the Motshekga family, with messages of support continuing to pour in during what is undoubtedly one of the family’s most difficult moments.
The circumstances surrounding the fire that has cut his life short have not yet been disclosed, and authorities have not publicly revealed what caused the blaze. It also remains unclear whether investigations into the incident are ongoing.
As preparations for the funeral continue, the atmosphere in Mamokhadi Village is one of mourning. Mourning tents have been erected as relatives and neighbours prepare to receive visitors who are expected to gather throughout the week to comfort the bereaved family ahead of Saturday’s funeral service, which will be held at Mamaila-Phaphadi.
The loss of a child is often described as one of the greatest pains a parent can endure. For Professor Mathole Motshekga and his family, the coming days will be marked by unimaginable grief as they prepare to lay Lesley to rest in the village he called home.
Saturday’s funeral is expected to be an emotional occasion as loved ones celebrate Lesley’s life while mourning the tragic circumstances of his death. His passing has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, especially the Motshekgas who are known to be down to earth and a caring family.
Attempts to solicit comments from Professor Motshekga, who is Chief of Council of the Balobedu Royal Council led by Queen Masalanabo Modjadji , drew a blank.
However, his right hand man Newyear Mabokela , who is chairman of Balobedu Royal Council, confirmed Lesley’s heart-wrenching death. “ It is true, we are busy with preparations for his funeral which will be held this coming Saturday ,” he said.
Before his untimely death , Lesley had recently returned to his village after spending time in Modjadjiskloof where he was a well known figure.
