A grim family tragedy has unfolded in the Free State, where 35-year-old Lefu Faith Phosholi appeared in the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 July 2025, facing a murder charge for the death of his own father.
The victim, Sekoati John Phosholi, aged 79, was found dead under suspicious circumstances, prompting police to launch an investigation that soon identified his son as a person of interest. According to Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant Thabo Covane, Lefu was traced to an address in JB Mafora, Mangaung, and arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Following his arrest, Lefu was formally charged with murder. During his brief court appearance, the case was postponed to Monday, 28 July 2025, when he is expected to apply for bail. However, the State has made it clear it will oppose bail, citing the seriousness of the offence.
The motive behind the alleged killing has not yet been disclosed, and investigations are continuing.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Botshabelo community, raising painful questions about domestic violence and familial breakdown. As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will be on next week’s bail hearing — and the search for answers behind this heartbreaking crime.
