‘Mantšali Phakoana
The family of Disaster Management Authority (DMA) CEO, ‘Makhotso Mahosi, who was gunned down alongside her 11-year-old son Kabelo Mahosi last month, say they are relieved after three men were arrested in connection with the murders.
Family spokesperson, Adv Thulo Mahlakeng told theReporter this week that although he was yet to meet with police authorities for an official report, they appreciate the police for making arrests.
‘Makhotso (46) and Kabelo were shot dead in cold blood at about 7pm on October 29, 2023 at their Ha Matala Phase I home in Maseru. Their helper, Lineo Ramakatsa, of Thaba-Tseka was left with injuries on both legs. She is now recovering at home after she was discharged from hospital.
Three weeks after their death, police have arrested three men whose names have been withheld until they appear before court. The suspects are ‘Makhotso’s driver (44) of Ha Fako, a 24-year-old man of Ha Ralejoe and another 32-year-old man of Ha Molengoane in Maseru.
They were nabbed at different places on Saturday, a few hours after ‘Makhotso and Kabelo were laid to rest.
The arrests also came shortly after the grieving family expressed concern at the police’s slow pace in investigating the murders and making arrests.
Speaking at the duo’s burial at Sephokong Ha Mahosi in Mafeteng on Saturday before the arrests, Mahlakeng had blamed the police for investigating the case at a ‘tortoise’s pace’.
But following the arrests, the family is now singing a different tune. They feel relieved and appreciate the police, saying they now expect the courts to do their part in ensuring the suspects face justice.
In an interview with theReporter, Mahlakeng said, “We can only use one word to describe how the family is feeling – relief.
“We’re relieved to know that the people responsible for the death of our members are finally in police custody,” he noted.
But at the same time, he added, the family was also sad knowing that Mahosi and her son are gone forever.
Mahlakeng said as a grieving family hit by the double murder, it was only natural that they expected police investigations to move at lightning speed.
“It’s only been 20 days since the incident, but the police have already arrested the suspects. We really appreciate it and feel relieved for such a commendable job.
“As a grieving family, and the nature of the death itself, it was only natural that we were already blaming the police for delaying to make arrests. In reality we were not expecting a sudden breakthrough.
“These kind of moments make one to feel like they need answers immediately, we were hoping investigations would move at the speed of a lightning,” Mahlakeng pointed out.
He said the family was more disappointed because Mahosi’s driver (known by the publication) was not only working for her, but he was also a cousin and a homeboy from Matholeng where she was born. This was the reason why she trusted him.
“He was not only her driver, but they were cousins from the same village, Matholeng. Maybe that is why ‘M’e ‘Makhotso trusted him to be her driver. It is sad that he took advantage of her kindness,” Mahlakeng indicated.
He added that now that the police had done their part, the Mahosi family hopes justice will be served.
“The courts should also play their role. We need justice for the deceased. If the suspects are found guilty, they should get serving sanctions,” Mahlakeng said.
A week ago, ‘Makhotso’s grieving mother-in-law, ‘Mamahosi Mahosi poured out her feelings on the death of her daughter-in-law and her grandson.
In theReporter’s issue dated November 10, 2023, ‘Mamahosi had directed police’s investigations to ‘Makhotso’s driver who was reportedly at the scene during the horrific incident, although he was not expected to report for duty that day.
The police had reported that the driver arrived at the house a few minutes before Mahosi and her son were shot dead.
They said shortly two men forcefully entered the house and threw the driver outside and shot the occupants inside.
‘Mamahosi had also said the family was left with answered questions as to why was the driver in that house on a day he was off duty.
“Why did the killers decide to throw him (driver) outside the house while they shot the rest?” she quipped in an interview with this publication.
‘Mamahosi had been hopeful that ‘Makhotso’s driver was a key to the case and if investigated, he would help the police solve the murders.
Police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Kabelo Halahala announced the arrests at a press conference this week.
Snr Supt Halahala said the suspects allegedly demanded money from ‘Makhotso and she gave them M1500.
They insisted to have more but she assured them that was all she had, he noted.
The suspects were found with two guns (9mm pistols) with no visible serial numbers, Snr Supt indicated.
He added that the deceased’s car was also recovered from ‘Makhotso’s driver who had hidden it somewhere.
The suspects are expected to appear in court upon competition of police investigations.
Mahosi was a key witness helping the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) with investigations on the looting spree during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020.
She was facing charges of fraudulently awarding a M4 538 900 tender to a construction company belonging to one Pitso Ntsukunyane for construction of a bridge at Seboche, Botha-Bothe among other charges.
She was accused along with former principal Secretary (Ps) health, Lefu Manyokole and Ntsukunyane. The trio were released on M10 000 bail each.
