Hope of Achievers Rehabilitation Centre (HOAR) owner, Watson Luandi, will rely on Legal Aid South Africa when his murder trial begins.
Luandi, together with six co-accused, is facing several charges at the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court, including murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and defeating the ends of justice. The charges stem from the death of 22-year-old Thato Dikgwatlhe, who allegedly died after being assaulted at the Segwashi-based rehabilitation centre outside Polokwane on November 3, 2025.
The court previously heard that Thato and other patients allegedly escaped from the rehabilitation centre premises on the day of the incident. They were reportedly pursued, caught, and assaulted with various objects.
It is further alleged that after discovering Thato had died, the accused attempted to conceal the incident by burning his blood-stained clothes, washing his body to remove evidence of injuries, and transporting the body to Mankweng Hospital.
Appearing before the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on May 29, Luandi confirmed that his legal representative, Marothi Mawasha, had withdrawn from the case.
“I will seek Legal Aid from now on after the withdrawal of my legal representative,” Luandi told the court.
Luandi was previously denied bail on May 5 despite arguments by Mawasha that his client is a married man and the sole breadwinner for his family, whose wife was struggling to pay rent and meet basic household needs.
State prosecutor Mozane Mangena opposed the bail application, citing findings by the investigating officer, Sergeant Mathebula, which indicated that Luandi had no fixed residential address. The addresses he provided reportedly belonged to relatives.
Mangena also informed the court that Luandi’s permit to remain in South Africa expired in March 2024 and that he failed to renew it before his arrest. She further stated that his mother-in-law had indicated he would not be accommodated at their home if granted bail, citing cultural reasons.
The State additionally argued that Luandi could interfere with witnesses if released.
Luandi, Thabang Mokoena, Jacob Mashishi, and Kgomotso Malebana remain in custody pending the determination of a regional court trial date on June 19.
Meanwhile, Tshegofatso Mabala, who was granted bail of R5 000, remains in custody after failing to pay the amount.
The remaining two accused, Lucky Phoka and Jonas Modiba, are out on bail after being granted release during the early stages of the case.
