Missing magistrate’s body found in Lesotho, her husband detained

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Police have detained the husband of Free State regional magistrate after her lifeless body was found in a car boot.

A manhunt was launched for the whereabouts of Mamello Thamae, 40, and her husband, Lehlohonolo Maketoane, 40, after they were reported missing from Heilbron since Friday morning.

Police spokesperson captain Loraine Earle said, Mamello arrived at her home in Heilbron on Thursday.

“However, the following morning at about 4:00 am, it is alleged that the car left the premises. The cellphone and clothes of her husband appeared to be missing whilst her clothes and cellphone were still at home.

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“The vehicle which they were suspected to have left with is a silver Kia Sportage with registration number HYT 809 FS and there was a strong suspicion that the vehicle drove through the Ficksburg Port of Entry into Lesotho,” Earle said at the time.

Earle stated that the vehicle was traced at one guest house in Mokgotlong, Lesotho.

“The Lesotho Mounted police questioned the husband who showed them the lifeless body of the wife which was in the boot of the vehicle.

“He was detained in Lesotho awaiting extradition back into South Africa to face possible charges of kidnapping and murder, investigation continues,” Earle concluded.