Yesterday, the police were handing over the remains of the retired Soshanguve Technical College lecture to the beriefed Moema family. The remains of Abraham Moema were kept at the Ga-Rankuwa Government mortuary for DNA tests and postmortem processes since the gruesome discovery on 28 June 2011.
On 01 March 2010, Abraham Moema, of No. 2095, Ga-Rankuwa, Zone 8, was reported missing. Few months later, there was a rumor that he might have gone to Botswana. In 2010, shortly after he was reported missing, his younger brother, Mr. Papi Moema, went to Botswana to search for him but was only told that Abraham last visited the country in 1979.
On 28 June 2011, paving contractors who were employed by his daughter discovered a shallow grave in the backyard and immediately alerted the police about the gruesome discovery. The body was then exhumed and sent to forensic laboratory for further examination. Thorough investigation indicated that the deceased was allegedly stabbed to death. It is suspected that his pension fund is the motive behind the crime. Subsequently, his wife, Martha (54) and their two sons Moseki (23) and Kgopotso (27) were apprehended. Further investigation led to arrest of his only daughter, Mathlodi (34), who employed the construction to pave the yard with an aim of destroying the evidence.
All four family members had appeared in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates’ Court. The next appearance will be on the 05 September 2012. The wife and two sons were denied bail and remanded in custody at Pretoria Central Prison, while the daughter was granted R1 000 bail.
His brother, Papi, applauded the police for the support that they have given the family since the beginning of the ordeal. “Today, we feel as the same day we heard about the discovery of the body of my brother. As we move to the closure of the episode, we appreciated the work of the investigating team and support that we received from the family, friends, neighbours as well as the police. However, we will not forget”, he said.
The case is in the hands of the criminal justice system. Both the police and the Moema family await a satisfactory verdict.
Enquiries
Colonel Tummi Shai
Tel: 012 400 6579 /6629 /6576
Cell: 082 826 6181
Fax: 012 400 7018
E-mail: mediacentre@saps.org.za
Remains of retired lecturer finally goes home
