Justice Delayed, Rustenburg Learner’s Family Seeks Closure
Tsitsing/ Rustenburg – The tragic loss of 18-year-old Lethabo Boitshoko Mangwani, a learner from Rustenburg Technical High School (HTS), continues to weigh heavily on the hearts of his grieving family and the wider Rustenburg community. His life was cut short on 2 June 2023 in a fatal stabbing incident at the Rustenburg Taxi Rank, an act of violence that has left his family yearning for justice.
Laid to rest in his home village of Tsitsing, Lethabo was remembered as a respectful young man who had the utmost regard for his elders. His untimely death, following an altercation between two groups of learners (gangs), sparked protests among HTS students.
In response to the tragedy, North West Department of Education MEC, Viola Motsumi, visited the bereaved family, offering condolences and urging community collaboration to safeguard learners. “We call upon parents and guardians to join hands with the police and educators to ensure that schools remain a safe environment,” she said during her visit.
A family’s long wait for justice
Since the suspect’s arrest, the case has been moving through the justice system, but the delays have taken a significant toll on Lethabo’s family. The latest court appearance on 16 January 2025 was postponed due to the illness of the accused’s attorney. The case resumed on 30 January 2025 at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court, attended by Platinum Weekly. However, the family remains distressed by the prolonged proceedings, feeling that justice is slipping further from their grasp.
Speaking with Platinum Weekly, a family friend and neighbour, Boitshoko Mangwani, expressed frustration: “We feel that the suspect has been given time to get medical reports, but when Lethabo was stabbed, he was not given time.” The family’s emotional and financial burden continues to grow as they travel back and forth for court dates, forced to relive the painful memories of that fateful day.
Lethabo’s little sister, now left without her older brother’s presence, is among those most affected. The grief within their household is immeasurable, compounded by the feeling that justice has not yet been served.
A hope for resolution
Since the court proceedings began on 5 December 2024, the case has faced numerous delays, primarily awaiting the accused’s medical report. The most recent hearing on 30 January 2025 saw another postponement, with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirming that the case is now set for 1 April 2025. If the medical report remains outstanding, the court has stated that it will proceed with a final decision.
Sivenathi Gunya, NPA communications officer for the North West, confirmed: “The case has been postponed to 1 April 2025 for the accused’s medical report. The accused remains in custody.”
While the wheels of justice turn slowly, the Mangwani family and the Tsitsing community continue to hope for a resolution that honours Lethabo’s memory.
