Kabelo Kabila Tlatsana (41) appeared before the Molopo Magistrates’ Court in Mmabatho on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Ester Monnapula (46). He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Tuesday, 08 May 2025, for a formal bail application.
The accused’s court appearance stems from an incident that was reported to the police in the early hours of Monday morning, 28 April 2025. Police were called to the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital, where a nurse showed them the lifeless body of Monnapula, who had multiple injuries all over her body. The police were allegedly informed that Monnapula was brought to the hospital on Sunday evening, 27 April 2025, by her boyfriend, but was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
Tlatsana, assisted by family members, handed himself over to the Mmabatho police later on Monday morning and was immediately arrested and charged for murder.
Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, said this is one of many violent contact crimes that require a serious societal reflection, discourse and intervention on the pervasive consumption of liquor. The proliferation of liquor selling outlets, including taverns in communities wherein the majority are mostly young, unemployed people who are dependent on government social grants, is one area that require urgent attention if the unacceptable high rate of contact crimes are to be reduced.
admin 
Cece Smith 