THE family of murdered Solomon Mmopane, who was found buried in a shallow grave on top of another coffin, said all they want is justice for their brother.
These words were uttered by the deceased's elder sister, Asnath Mmopane during her brother's funeral service on Saturday, 2 March.
The 32-year-old from Dertig in Hammanskraal was reportedly last seen on 17 February at a tavern in Maubane, together with the suspects. It was reported that a quarrel erupted between the suspects and the victim whereby the victim left the tavern driving in a black Volkswagen Golf and the suspects were seen assaulting his friend and left with him for dead.
It's alleged the victim's friend was assaulted by the suspects and put inside the boot of the car that they were driving, but he managed to escape. After the friend realised that Solomon wasn’t home the next day, he went to report him missing at the Makapanstad cop shop.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Asnath said it was a sad day for the family and that all they want is justice for their brother. She said they were praying for Solomon to be found alive but unfortunately, he was already dead.
“We really appreciate the community for the support they gave us from the day they started searching for him until this moment.”
One of his friends, Obakeng Mashiya said he will miss Solly for his personality and that he felt the same pain as the bereaved family.
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His cousin, Kgothatso Machate said it was painful because they didn’t know the reason why Solly was killed so brutally.
Comforting the family, Pastor Daniel Mogole said they must let God take over the fight because this is something that needed the power of the Almighty to be won.
Meanwhile, Community Policing Forum chairman in Dertig, Sello Dire said they will mobilise community members to oppose bail when the suspects appear in court on Wednesday, 6 March.
Community leader, Agnes Mashiane appealed to the residents to come in numbers on the day the suspects appear in court. She also pleaded with those with cars to help with transportation as many people are unemployed.
The suspects, Thabang Chauke (20), Kenneth Matjiu (20), Thabiso Meso (31), Shoni Baloyi (33), Tshepo Lekalakala (34), Jack Masamane (36) and Aaron Ndima (38) are expected to apply for bail on Wednesday, 6 March in Moretele Magistrates Court facing charges of kidnapping, malicious damage to property, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), defeating the ends of justice, unlawful possession of a firearm, carjacking and violation of a grave.
