By OBAKENG MAJE

28 January 2025- The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) in the North West on Tuesday expressed hope that the conclusion of the Iris Mohokare (47) murder trial will bring much needed closure for the family when the verdict is delivered on Friday. The MRM said the respected healthcare worker was murdered in Ipelegeng Township, outside Schweizer Reneke in 2022.

Convenor of the MRM Provincial Interim Committee, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said that the case which resumed on Monday this week in the North West High Court sitting in Klerksdorp, represents a protracted and unwarranted delay that has undermined the efficiency of the criminal justice system. Kgwele said Bongane Gregory Shebi (27), was apprehended three days after he was reportedly seen walking near the crime scene in blood-stained clothing on the day Mohokare’s body was discovered in October 2022.

 “Though a speedy conviction in the gruesome and callous murder would have send an unequivocal message that there is no place in our society for heartless murderers, any further delay and failure to secure a conviction would be nothing but a travesty of justice.

“The life of the highly committed public servant was cut short by her senseless killing and communities robbed of a community builder as well as committed healthcare worker that served with utmost dedication throughout her nursing career,” he said.

Kgwele further said Mohokare’s illustrious career was defined by Ubuntu, humility and excellence that is still uncommon. He added that her landlord lost not only a tenant, but an adopted daughter while the community lost the jewel that represented their hope for service delivery distinction after her recent promotion to Facility Manager at Charon Clinic,” said Kgwele.

He decried that delays in finalising ghastly cases of this nature including the Senzo Meyiwa are sending undesirable message that, criminals can get away with murder. Kgwele said the family of the victim, colleagues, as well as her loved ones and the community have had to deal with unbearable pain and worst trauma over the past decade and three years while the perpetrator hoped to evade justice.

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