On Monday night, as she was preparing for the start of the new school term, Onalenna Keamogetse Gaorekwe was butchered to death.
The 45-year-old Selibe Phikwe-based teacher was killed on school premises, stabbed several times at her home in Meepong JSS’ staff accommodation block.
It is thought the deceased’s 13-year-old son witnessed his mother’s final moments, although police are yet to interview the traumatized teen.
They have, however, arrested Gaorekwe’s boyfriend, Mosiame Mokganedi, 47, in connection with the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the mining town’s teaching community.
Appearing before Selibe Phikwe Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning, the accused killer was remanded in prison.
Given the chance to address court, Mokganedi asked to be taken back to the crime scene, explaining most of his clothes were there.
It was a request that ended in failure, with the Magistrate instead ruling he would be transported to his home town of Letlhakane to fetch the appropriate attire, before setting his next court date for 12 October.
Speaking to The Voice after court, Selibe Phikwe Station Commander, Nicholas Kadiatla revealed the suspect was caught by the school’s security officers, who spotted him running away and quickly realised something was amiss.
“The police were called and the woman, who is originally from Marobela, was rushed to Selibe Phikwe Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Although we are still investigating, we suspect a sharp object was used as the woman had injuries all over her body,” disclosed the senior superintendent.
While Kadiatla stressed he could not go into much detail as investigations were in their infancy, he confirmed they are waiting to speak to the son, who they suspect saw everything.