Lehlohonolo Makotoane, who is at the centre of a gruesome case involving the murder of his wife, Free State Magistrate Mamello Thamae, was arrested and subsequently confessed to his crime, citing their troubled marriage as the motive.
How Free State police linked Lehlohonolo Makotoane to wife’s murder
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The tragic incident came to light when Thamae’s lifeless body was discovered tied up and gagged in the boot of their Kia Sportage.
Following the discovery, Lehlohonolo Makotoane was taken into custody and appeared at the Mokhotlong Magistrate’s Court.
Detective Inspector Limpho Pitso, head of Mokhotlong detectives, presented details of the case to the court.
Makotoane, 41 years old and the murder-accused, admitted to killing his wife, placing the blame on the deteriorating state of their marriage.
According to Pitso, Thamae had initiated divorce proceedings due to the irreparable breakdown of their relationship.
The unfolding of events began when the South African Police Service (SAPS) alerted the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) about the missing couple.
GPS tracking of their vehicle indicated that they had crossed the border through the Ficksburg border post.
Local law enforcement agencies, working collaboratively, traced the car to a guest house in Mokhotlong, which was approximately 230 kilometres from Ficksburg. At the lodge, they located the Kia Sportage and initiated a search.
During the search, investigators discovered two bags containing clothing belonging to both Makotoane and Thamae.
In a grim turn of events, they found a woman wearing pyjamas bound and gagged in the trunk of the car. A piece of cloth had been forcibly placed into her mouth, with a rope tied around her head to secure the gag.
Psychological Analysis of Domestic Homicides
This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the deeply troubling issue of domestic homicides, particularly when husbands are involved in the killing of their spouses.
Research in this area has shown that domestic homicides often have complex psychological factors at play.
One prominent explanation for such acts is the phenomenon of intimate partner violence (IPV), which can escalate to lethal levels in certain cases.
IPV involves a pattern of abusive behaviour within a relationship, and it may involve emotional, psychological, financial, or physical abuse. In some cases, it tragically leads to homicide.
Additionally, studies have highlighted various motives behind husbands killing their spouses. These motives can include feelings of jealousy, possessiveness, anger, and a desire for control.
In some instances, individuals who commit such acts may have a history of mental health issues or substance abuse, which can exacerbate their violent tendencies.
It’s crucial to note that domestic homicides are not isolated incidents but rather part of a broader societal problem.
Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach involving social services, mental health support, and legal interventions to protect victims and prevent such tragic outcomes.
PLEASE NOTE: Domestic violence is a serious crime. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 10111. For support, contact the National GBV Helpline at 0800 150 150 or visit www.saps.gov.za.