Police have launched a high-level manhunt after Mahikeng crime activist and traditional healer Thato Molosankwe was shot dead at his home in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The killing has sent shockwaves through Mahikeng, where Molosankwe had become widely known for his anti-crime activism, community mobilisation campaigns and vocal stance against corruption and gender-based violence.
Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has now ordered maximum resources to be deployed to track down those behind the murder.
“The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed the North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, to ensure maximum resources are deployed to hunt down the killers of vocal Mahikeng-born crime activist and traditional healer, Mr Thato Molosankwe,” SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.
According to Mathe, Molosankwe was attacked at his home in Lomanyaneng village and sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Lieutenant General Dimpane strongly condemned the killing and vowed that investigators would leave no stone unturned.
“Lieutenant General Dimpane has strongly condemned the brutal murder and assured the community that no stone will be left unturned until those responsible are found and brought to book,” Mathe said.
The Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit has since taken over the investigation.
Molosankwe was widely known across Mahikeng and other parts of the country for his activism against crime, corruption and gender-based violence.
Over the years, he became recognised for embarking on long-distance walks and community campaigns aimed at confronting violence against women and children, while also advocating for moral regeneration in communities.
In 2017, Molosankwe undertook a gruelling walk from Cape Town to Mahikeng to raise awareness about the abuse of women and children and encourage men to take responsibility within their families and communities.
He later launched a continent-wide “Moral Regeneration Walk”, travelling across South Africa and parts of Africa campaigning against gender-based violence, crime and social decay.
Molosankwe also earned recognition during the July 2021 unrest after helping mobilise residents and local volunteers to protect businesses and prevent looting in Mahikeng.
At the time, he said he had dedicated his life to fighting crime and corruption after years of being dismissed by some community members as “crazy” for speaking out.
Police described him as a community-minded activist who played a significant role in strengthening relations between communities and SAPS while assisting efforts aimed at combating crime and corruption.
“Mr Molosankwe has been described by local police as a community-minded individual who played an important role in assisting police efforts aimed at fighting crime and corruption as well as strengthening relations between the SAPS and communities,” Mathe said.
Police are appealing to anyone with information linked to the killing to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit anonymous tip-offs through the MySAPS App.
The Star
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