The family of Lesedi Khumontle Mokgosi, 25, a teacher at Mokoba Secondary School in Magong village near Mogwase in North West, say they can finally start moving on after her killer was sentenced to life imprisonment by the North West High Court on Wednesday.
The suspect, Akanyang Rakodi, was arrested in July for the murder of Mokgosi, who was found at her flat with her arms and legs tied up.
Mokgodi was murdered in June.
“After the incident, Rakodi ran away but during a crime intelligence-driven operation by a multi-disciplinary team, he was arrested and found in possession of the deceased’s bank cards, clothes, car battery and Mokgosi’s two cellphones,” NW education spokesperson Elias Malindi said.
He said Rakodi’s trial started on Monday and he pleaded guilty to all charges, including rape and murder.
Mokgosi’s aunt Matshidiso Mogowelela said the family will now close the chapter of Mokgosi’s life. “We welcome the decision, Lesedi chose to serve her country to become a teacher. As the family we were endlessly asking ourselves what has our daughter done to deserve this cruel death.
"Her murderer confessed of everything. He is asking for forgiveness from us but the law has to take its course. We have now closed the chapter of Lesedi’s life,” Mogowelela said.
MEC Mmaphefo Matsemela said she was thankful for the swift verdict and to the fraternal structures in community. “We are thankful for the swift conclusion of the case. The Mokgosi family can now find closure as they continue to grieve for their daughter.
"Also, as the school community we are relieved that justice has been served for our beloved teacher. One lost teacher is a loss to the entire teaching community and for our learners. We are especially thankful to the SAPS and North West judicial system for treating the matter with so much sensitivity,” Matsemela said.
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