By Thoriso Sebola
A tense and emotional atmosphere gripped the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on May 5, 2026, as five accused in the controversial rehabilitation centre case returned for the outcome of their bail hearing. What unfolded in court not only revealed the seriousness of the charges but also exposed disturbing allegations of witness intimidation, deception, and a possible cover up.
At the centre of the case is the death of Thato Dikgwatlhe, a 22 year old man who had been admitted to the Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre (HOAR) in October 2025. According to his father, Pule Dikgwatlhe, Thato was in good physical and mental health when he was taken to the facility on October 12, seeking help for alcohol addiction. What was meant to be a journey toward recovery ended in tragedy just weeks later.
The case has since drawn widespread public attention, with the court proceedings on Tuesday revealing even more troubling details. During arguments against bail, the State alleged that some of the accused had actively interfered with investigations by contacting potential witnesses and attempting to influence their statements.
The investigating officer told the court that one witness was allegedly instructed to deny knowledge of the assault, while another was reportedly pressured into changing their version of events. Prosecutors argued that releasing the accused could jeopardize the investigation and place witnesses at risk.
The five accused face serious charges including murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, defeating the ends of justice, and kidnapping. The court heard that the alleged assault was not an isolated incident, but part of a pattern of abuse within the rehabilitation centre.
In delivering judgment, the magistrate issued a mixed ruling. Two of the accused were denied bail after the court found that their release could interfere with ongoing investigations and undermine public confidence in the justice system. The magistrate noted the gravity of the allegations and the apparent attempts to manipulate witnesses.
However, three other accused were granted bail under strict conditions. These include reporting regularly to the nearest police station, surrendering travel documents, and having no contact with witnesses connected to the case. The court warned that any violation of the bail conditions would result in immediate arrest.
Outside court, emotions ran high as members of the Dikgwatlhe family 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 facilities.
Speaking after the proceedings, Pule Dikgwatlhe said the family remains determined to see the matter through to the end. He described his son as a young man who had sought help to rebuild his life, only to die under circumstances that continue to shock the community.
The matter has been postponed for further investigation and trial preparations, with the accused expected back in court on May 29.
