Court postpones Leandra initiation school deaths trial

The accused are facing charges relating to the deaths of the four initiates and the alleged operation of an illegal initiation school.

2 hours ago

Mphikeleli Masangu 3 minutes read

Picture used for illustration purposes. Photo Cred: Caxton Local Media

The Evander Regional Court has, on September 21, postponed the trial of five people, Joseph Ditsego, Joseph Mpandla, Siyabonga Mahlangu, Enrico Bloom and Tsepo Khanye charged with murder and operating an illegal initiation school near Leandra, where four initiates died in 2023.

The four victims were among 11 initiates at an initiation school on Goedehoop Farm when they were found lying on the grass, covered with blankets, next to burning tyres.

According to the person associated with the initiation school who alerted police at the time, he woke up that morning and noticed four initiates moving up and down. He reportedly became concerned when he noticed their blankets were wet and the young men were shaking from the cold.

The man allegedly instructed the initiates to burn a tyre outside their shelter to keep warm, which they did.

However, about an hour later, he allegedly noticed that the four young men were no longer moving. He opened their blankets to check on them and initially thought they were asleep before alerting the police.

young man in a T shirt and black Jeans — Tsepo Ndwanyaza is one of the four initiates who died at an initiation school in Leandra. Photo: Supplied

Police and other role-players were called to the scene, where all four initiates were declared dead. Police said at the time that the deceased had bruises on their heads and bodies.

Inquest dockets were initially opened into the deaths before the matter was referred to the SAPS task team for further investigation.

Among the deceased were Thabang Ditsego (27), Neo Nhlapho (19), Mzwakhe Cossa(17) and Tsepo Ndwanyaza (18). Their parents were hoping the trial would resume as they seek justice for their deceased sons.

Jonas Ditsego, Thabang’s father, told the Ridge Times his family expected to get answers during the trial about what happened to his son.

“The Ditsego family were relieved that the matter was finally proceeding to trial and hoped that justice would be served.

black and white image of a man with a hat — Thabang Ditsego's dad, Jonas Ditsego said the family were denied an opportunity to bury him after he died at the initiation school. Photo: Supplied

“Now the court has postponed it to next year for the accused to consult with their attorneys,” said Ditsego.

Ditsego said his son had attended the initiation school without obtaining the necessary consent from the family.

“We demand the truth about what happened to our children. My family was not afforded time to grieve and bury our son.

“We last saw his injured body at the mortuary. He was then buried at night without the family. Even today we don’t know where my son’s grave is,” said Ditsego.

Ditsego also alleged that his son died under mysterious circumstances and claimed that someone had removed his tongue. Nongazi Ndwanyaza, Tsepo’s mother, said her son went to the initiation school with her permission and she was not aware of the initiation school’s legitimacy.

young man with sunglasses and a purple jacket — Neo Nhlapho was one of the four initiates who died at an initiation school in Leandra. Photo: Supplied

“I knew if I refused my son’s request, he would have gone there without my permission. I met with the school leaders who allowed my son to attend their school, paid the necessary fees, and provided what was required of me as a parent.

“This decision turned into a nightmare for my family when the leaders came to my home to tell me that my son is dead. They did not tell me how it happened. I hope the trial will provide us with answers,” said Ndwanyaza.

Sesi Nhlapho, Neo’s mother, shared Ndwanyaza’s sentiment. She also agreed with the initiation school leaders to initiate Neo and paid all fees, while also providing the requirements.

“My son died mysteriously, and it was painful to see his condition at the mortuary. We need closure. We need justice for Neo. We are still in the dark about what happened on the day when Neo lost his life at the initiation school,” said Nhlapho.

The accused are facing charges relating to the deaths of the four initiates and the alleged operation of an illegal initiation school. The trial is scheduled to resume on February 23, 2027.