By Nakampe Lekwadu
The owner of Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre (HOAR), Watson Luandi, is expected to learn his fate regarding bail when he appears before the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, April 2.
Luandi, together with several members of the rehabilitation centre, is facing murder charges following the tragic death of 22-year-old Thato Dikgwatlhe (Pictured). The incident allegedly occurred at the facility in Segwashi village, outside Mankweng near Polokwane, Limpopo, on November 3, 2025.
Thato’s family has accused the centre’s management of negligence and is demanding justice.
According to his father, Pule Dikgwatlhe, his son was in good mental and physical health when he was admitted to the facility on October 12, seeking help for alcohol addiction.
“After three weeks of Thato’s admission at the centre, I received a call informing me that he was not well,” said Dikgwatlhe.
“As I was still trying to process that information, I received another call with the devastating news that Thato had passed away.”
Dikgwatlhe said what raised further concern was conflicting information regarding where his son had died.
“The centre informed me that Thato passed away at Mankweng Hospital, but hospital staff allegedly indicated that he had already died before arrival,” he said.
“That was when I decided to hire a private investigator.”
He further alleged that investigations revealed that Thato and other patients were severely assaulted by security personnel at the rehabilitation centre.
Dikgwatlhe described the decision to send his son to the facility as one he now deeply regrets.
“When I sent my boy to the rehabilitation centre, I never imagined I was sending him to his early grave,” he said.
The 51-year-old lecturer at the University of South Africa explained that Thato had been struggling with alcohol abuse and negative influences.
“As a respected family, his lifestyle became difficult to manage. Even neighbours began referring to him as a ‘nyaope boy’. It was embarrassing, and that is why we sought professional help,” he said.
Dikgwatlhe added that he chose HOAR based on its reputation, claiming it had previously assisted well-known footballers such as Lerato Chabangu and Kgaugelo Sekgotha, who played for top clubs including Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
“I believed the centre had a good reputation, but I was wrong. The doubts about its legality are a slap in the face,” he said.
“I hope my son’s death will serve as a warning to other parents to be more careful when choosing rehabilitation centres.”
However, police investigations suggest a different version of events.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the incident unfolded on November 3 at around 10:00 when Thato and four other patients allegedly escaped from the centre.
A security officer reportedly tracked them down and brought them back.
“Upon their return, they were allegedly assaulted with various objects, resulting in serious injuries. One of the victims succumbed to the injuries at the scene, while others were transported to hospital,” said Ledwaba.
Police confirmed that on November 12, 2025, a joint operation involving Haenertsburg detectives, Mopani High Patrol, and the Mopani Tracking Team led to the arrest of five suspects on charges of murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). The rehabilitation centre was also found to be operating illegally.
Luandi was later arrested as the sixth suspect in the case.
The six suspects have appeared in court several times and remain in custody after their bail application was previously denied.
