Family’s provider allegedly killed by daughter’s lover

Kedibone Modise, the 25-year-old stepdaughter of 51-year-old Abel Mogale spoke warmly about her father whom, she says, was the family’s breadwinner and protector.

The father of six daughters, with a career as a taxi driver spanning about three decades, lost his life at the hand of one of his other daughters’ 20-year-old lover on Saturday.

According to Kedibone, her father lost his life for questioning the unwarranted actions of her younger sister’s lover. ‘He wanted to know why someone was stabbed in his yard earlier on Saturday. They started arguing outside the yard. There was a scuffle and bystanders managed to break up the fight. My father left and, on his way to the gate, the man followed him. He took out a long knife and stabbed him in the left ear and then he ran away. My father died in the hospital that same night,’ she said.

Kedibone says Abe was not the biological father of four of the girls but he treated them like his own children. ‘He only had two biological daughters. Ironically, he had also taken care of the accused’s 4-year-old son from birth. He is the one who started buying diapers and milk for him – and this is how he (the suspect) rewarded him, by killing him?’ she asked angrily.

Abe’s friend of six years and fellow taxi driver, Joseph ‘July’ Dladla says they were like inseparable brothers. ‘He was a good person who loved to help other people. I always used to come to him with my family problems and he would advise and assist me in solving them. ‘I’m devastated by the loss. I cannot say what must happen to his killer but, most importantly, the law must satisfy the family, friends, community and people whom he used to help,’ he said.

The family believes the suspect should not get bail and must pay for killing their father. ‘That man is used to stabbing people,’ said one family member.

Abe will be buried in Ext. 11 this Sunday.

According to Const. Kelebogile Trom, Ikageng spokesperson, the suspect who ran away after committing the deed, later handed himself over at the police station.