Warrant of arrest issued for Rehab Murder suspect after he disappears from court

The Tzaneen Regional Court has issued a warrant of arrest for accused number five, Kgomotso Malebane, after he allegedly failed to return to court following an hour-long adjournment on Thursday, November 12.

Malebane, who has been in custody since his arrest on November 3, 2025, is among seven accused facing several charges, including murder, following the death of 22-year-old Thato Dikgwatlhe at the Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre in Segwashe village outside Polokwane.

Malebane appeared in court alongside his six co-accused before the presiding officer, Regional Magistrate Lamina, adjourned proceedings for an hour.

However, when the matter resumed, Malebane was nowhere to be found, prompting the magistrate to issue a warrant of arrest for his failure to attend the court proceedings.

"This case is postponed to November 25, pending on getting an extra legal representative. And I am also issuing a warrant of arrest for suspect number five for failing to attend the court hearing," said Lamina.

The warrant adds another development to a case that has experienced repeated delays, with the latest postponement linked to difficulties surrounding the accused's legal representation.

Earlier in the proceedings, defence lawyer Ms Mabunda asked the court for an additional legal representative to assist her, citing conflicting versions of testimony among the accused she represents.

Mabunda told the court that it had become difficult to obtain consistent accounts from her clients, making additional legal assistance necessary for the matter to proceed effectively.

The magistrate subsequently postponed the case to November 25, 2026, to allow the defence to secure additional legal representation.

Seven accused face murder charges

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

They face charges arising from the death of Dikgwatlhe, who allegedly died following an assault at the rehabilitation facility in November 2025.

The charges reported in the case include murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and defeating the ends of justice. Additional charges have also been raised during the proceedings.

The State's allegations against the accused have yet to be fully tested in court, and all seven remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The matter is expected to return to the Tzaneen Regional Court on November 25, when developments regarding legal representation and Malebane's whereabouts may come into focus.