By Thoriso Sebola and Nakampe Lekwadu
A tense and emotional atmosphere gripped the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on May 5, 2026, as Watson Luandi, owner of the Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre (HOAR) outside Mankweng in Polokwane, and three of his co-accused in the controversial murder case of 22-year-old Thato Dikgwatlhe, were denied bail for the third time.
It was, however, a fortunate day for accused number three, Tshegofatso Mabala from Moletji, whose bail application was granted after presiding officer MJ Mphago told the court that she was convinced by the applicant’s testimony.
As for Luandi, accused number two in the matter, Mphago said he has serious charges to answer to. The State alleged that it had received disturbing claims of witness intimidation, deception, and a possible cover-up involving Luandi, a Zimbabwean national who is allegedly in the country illegally.
The court previously heard that on November 3, 2025, Thato and other patients allegedly escaped from the rehabilitation centre premises. They were reportedly pursued, caught, and assaulted with various objects.
After realising that Thato had died, the accused allegedly attempted to cover up the incident by burning his bloodied clothes, washing his body to remove evidence of injuries, and transporting his body to Mankweng Hospital.
The incident occurred only three weeks after Thato had been admitted to the rehabilitation centre to seek help for alcohol abuse, according to his 51-year-old father, Pule Dikgwatlhe.
In denying Luandi bail, Mphago said:
“While the country’s laws respect every individual’s right to apply for bail, the court must also consider whether the accused has provided convincing and satisfactory facts in support of the application.”
She added:
“In this case, the court is not convinced by accused number two’s submissions because he does not have a permanent physical address and is allegedly in the country illegally, making him a flight risk.”
The other accused denied bail were Thabang Mokoena (accused number one), Hector Mashishi (accused number five), and Kgomotso Malebane (accused number seven), all described as former drug addict patients who later became security officers at the rehabilitation centre.
The case has attracted widespread public attention, with proceedings revealing further troubling allegations. During arguments against bail, prosecutor Mozane Mangena alleged that some of the accused interfered with investigations by contacting potential witnesses and attempting to influence their statements.
Investigating officer Mathebula told the court that one witness was allegedly instructed to deny knowledge of the assault, while another was reportedly pressured to change their version of events.
The State argued that releasing the accused could jeopardise investigations and place witnesses at risk.
The accused face charges including murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, defeating the ends of justice, and kidnapping. The court heard allegations that the assault on Thato may have formed part of a broader pattern of abuse within the rehabilitation centre.
In a mixed ruling, the magistrate granted bail to Mabala, making him the third accused to secure release after accused numbers four and six were previously granted bail under strict conditions.
Those conditions include regular reporting to the nearest police station, surrendering travel documents, and refraining from contacting witnesses linked to the case. The court warned that violating any bail conditions would result in immediate arrest.
Outside court, emotions ran high as members of the Dikgwatlhe family, led by Jane Lebea, expressed frustration and heartbreak over the decision to grant bail to some of the accused.
Community members and activists gathered in solidarity with the family, calling for justice for Thato and stricter oversight of rehabilitation centres.
Thato’s father, Pule Dikgwatlhe, said the family remains determined to pursue justice.
“All I wish for is justice for my son, and hopefully this will also help save other parents who might face a similar situation in the future,” he said.
The matter has been postponed for further investigations and trial preparations. All seven accused are expected back in court on May 29, 2026.
