By Teboho Moloi
BOTSHABELO – The mother of the brutally murdered actor, Pesa Pheko, from Botshabelo in the Free State, Makgotso Pheko, is still struggling to come to terms with her son’s tragic death.
Pheko’s body was found burned beyond recognition late last year, and his mother says she could only identify him by his teeth. The motive behind his murder remains unknown.
The devastated Makgotso says she still seeks answers as to why her son was brutally killed and his body burned beyond recognition.
“I fail to understand why they burned his dead body. I had to identify my son by his teeth only. He was beyond recognition. I have an unhealable pain in my heart,” said Makgotso.
Makgotso revealed that the family had received warning signs long before her son was killed.
“We are living in fear. Some of the killers who were sent confessed that they were instructed to kill the whole family. We are under the protection of residents. They have supported us in every way,” she said.
She accused her late son’s wife of having knowledge of the crime, as she allegedly once declared that she would only sign divorce papers when Pesa was dead—and that he would be unidentifiable.
Mother of murdered actor from Botshabelo in Free State, Makgotso Pheko.
Meanwhile, the family feels that justice is being delayed and has expressed frustration over the repeated postponements of the case.
At present, two people, Pheko’s wife, Nombulelo, and her alleged boyfriend, Ramosoeu Dlamini, are facing murder charges. They have both previously appeared in court and abandoned their bail applications.
Pesa’s brother, Khausu, said the family is demanding justice and is growing impatient with the delays.
He also raised concerns after seeing a viral video on social media, allegedly showing one of the accused consulting with a sangoma before a court appearance.
“We call on the Department of Correctional Services to launch an investigation into this matter. We have seen a trending video where sangomas engage with the accused inside a Correctional Services vehicle,” he said.
Both accused are expected to appear before the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court on 30 April 2025.
During their last court appearance, a large number of residents gathered with placards, demanding a harsh sentence for the accused.
