The State has added an additional charge of illegal immigration against murder accused Watson Luandi, the owner of the Hope Achievers Rehabilitation Centre in Segwashe outside Polokwane.
Luandi, together with six co-accused, appeared for the first time in the Regional Court in Tzaneen after the matter was transferred from the District Magistrate’s Court.
The case is now being presided over by Regional Magistrate Lamina.
The seven accused are facing charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following the death of 22-year-old Thato Dikgwatlhe, who allegedly died after being assaulted at the rehabilitation centre on November 3, 2025.
The court previously heard that Dikgwatlhe and several other patients allegedly escaped from the rehabilitation facility on the day of the incident. They were reportedly chased, apprehended, and assaulted with various objects by staff members.
The State further alleges that after discovering Dikgwatlhe had died, the accused attempted to conceal the incident by burning his blood-stained clothes, washing his body to remove evidence of injuries, and transporting his body to Mankweng Hospital in an attempt to cover up the circumstances surrounding his death.
During proceedings, prosecutor Mahlangu informed the court that the State had added a charge of contravening South Africa’s immigration laws against Luandi. Previous court proceedings revealed that Luandi, a Zimbabwean national, had allegedly been living in South Africa illegally after his permit expired in 2024 and was never renewed.
In another setback for Luandi, Regional Magistrate Lamina dismissed an application by his legal representative seeking his transfer from Haenertsburg Correctional Centre to a correctional facility in Polokwane. The defense argued that such a transfer would allow his wife, who lives in Moletji outside Seshego, easier access for visits.
Luandi, Thabang Mokoena, Jacob Mashishi and Kgomotso Malebana remain behind bars after being denied bail on several occasions by Magistrate A.M. Mphago while the matter was still before the lower court.
Although Tshegofatso Mabala was granted bail of R5,000, the accused remains in custody after failing to pay the bail amount.
The remaining accused, Lucky Phoka and Jonas Modiba, are out on bail after being granted release during the early stages of the case.
The matter was postponed to August 5, 2026, for further proceedings in the Regional Court.
Luandi has repeatedly been denied bail after the State, led by then prosecutor Mozane Mangena, argued that he posed a significant flight risk and could interfere with witnesses. The prosecution also told the court that several witnesses had allegedly received threats, strengthening the State’s opposition to his release.
