By Teboho Moloi
FICKSBURG – Free State police have confirmed that an inquest docket has been registered at the Ficksburg Police Station following the shocking discovery of a 50-year-old pastor, Pheello Petrus Thojo, who was found dead in his home with his lungs exposed.
It is suspected that Thojo committed suicide in the Katlehong section of Meqheleng.
The pastor was discovered inside his house by his son and neighbours, with deep stab wounds to his stomach.
It is reported that his 9-year-old son returned from school and knocked at the door for his father to open. The pastor allegedly refused, instructing him to go to his grandmother’s house instead. Concerned, the child alerted neighbours, who entered the house through a window. They found the door barricaded with furniture and blood covering the floor.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring stated that neighbours immediately called an ambulance, but unfortunately, Pastor Thojo died on his way to the hospital. He was the leader of the Israel Apostolic Church in Ficksburg.
Family member Motlalepula Baholo said the deceased had stabbed himself with a knife, opened his stomach, and horrifically damaged his lungs.
“We’re still trying to come to terms with the trauma of his death, and it’s going to be tough, especially for his young son. He will grow up knowing that his parent took his own life. It will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. Our hearts are shattered that he’ll never get the chance to heal and find peace. We’re struggling to cope with this devastating loss, and we’re finding it hard to imagine a future without him,” Baholo said.
Warrant Officer Mophiring added:
“The investigation into the deceased’s death revealed that he had used a sharp instrument to cause self-inflicted wounds. The reasons behind this action are still unknown. The deceased had a history of attempted self-harm, with family members having intervened in previous incidents. An inquest was conducted, and our findings suggest that foul play cannot be ruled out. We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.”
Ahanang Banna Men’s Forum Chairperson Pule Lekhoaba expressed shock and sadness over the pastor’s untimely death.
“It’s very unfortunate that there are men who feel like they’ve reached a dead end and resort to taking their own lives. As a men’s forum, we’ve created a safe space for men to open up and share their struggles. We believe that by speaking out and supporting one another, we can work towards a better life,” Lekhoaba said.
He emphasized the importance of men seeking help and talking about their emotions on the right platforms.
