By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – The family of murdered 34-year-old Basboy Mofokeng of Qoqolosing, Thaba Bosiu, says it is deeply disappointed by the decision of the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court to grant bail to the couple accused of his murder.
Mapeka Mopeli and Nthabeleng Moloi were each granted bail of R500 on Monday, 1 June, after their formal bail application. The pair had been in custody since their arrest on 19 May in connection with Mofokeng’s death.
The bail ruling came after their previous court appearance, during which the application was postponed.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s sister, Alinah Mofokeng, said relatives were saddened not only by the granting of bail but also by the amount set by the court.
“The decision has left us asking whether our brother’s life can be valued at only R500. If the court was going to grant bail, we expected a much higher amount,” she said.
Despite their disappointment, Mofokeng said the family respects the legal process and remains hopeful that justice will ultimately prevail.
“We trust the court process and hope that, at the end of the trial, those responsible will receive a sentence that reflects the seriousness of the crime,” she said.
She described Basboy’s death as a devastating loss that has left a permanent scar on the family. According to relatives, he was killed before he could realise his dreams and ambitions.
“Today my sister and I are left alone in this world because both our parents are deceased. Our brother was our pillar of strength, our hope and protector. Now that he is gone, we do not know who will fill that role,” she said.
The family said the circumstances surrounding his death have compounded their pain, adding that they are still struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
The case has been postponed to 6 July for further proceedings.
