PRETORIA – The arduous six-week search for missing Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) journalism student Oratile “Rati” Mothoa has ended in heartbreak, with the discovery of his body in Silverton, east of Pretoria. The circumstances surrounding his death are now under intense scrutiny, with his family suspecting foul play after inconsistencies emerged in the police's initial account.
Second-year journalism student Mothoa disappeared on 7 March 2025, after reportedly taking an e-hailing ride from his Soshanguve campus. He never returned to his student residence, sparking a frantic search by his family and the university community.
His loved ones confirmed to EWN that their son had taken an e-hailing ride from his campus in Soshanguve on the day, but never returned.
Mothoa’s family spent the past six weeks tirelessly searching the streets of Soshanguve, desperately hoping to find their son, who never returned to his student accommodation.
The grim discovery came when police informed the family that his body had been found along the N4 freeway on the very day he was reported missing. His remains had been at a local mortuary until the family identified him on Tuesday. The body was later identified by his family at the Garankuwa Mortuary on March 22.
According to police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo, police are investigating a case of culpable homicide. “On March 7 2025, at approximately 21h15, police from Silverton Police Station attended a scene on the N4 freeway where the victim was allegedly knocked down by the car.”
However, the family has raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding Mothoa's death, alleging that the scene where his body was found appeared to have been staged to resemble a hit-and-run.
Although the scene appeared to suggest Mothoa was hit by a car, the family said police had told them that he had been dead for some time before he was supposedly run over.
His uncle, Sello Mothoa, said the family wanted answers about what led to his untimely death. "We are hurting. We thought we’d find him alive. So, unfortunately, he was found dead. We are not okay. We are now arranging a funeral for Friday"
Forensic evidence reportedly suggests that Mothoa had been dead for some time before being placed on the road, fueling suspicions of possible murder. Authorities have yet to confirm any suspects, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has expressed its deep sadness at the passing of Oratile. University Spokesperson Phaphama Tshisikhawe said the University and the family are waiting for an official report from the SAPS regarding the circumstances that led to the student’s untimely death.
“At this time, TUT is respecting the family’s need for privacy as they process their profound grief, inform loved ones, and make funeral arrangements. A detailed public announcement will be shared once the family is ready."
“The University extends its heartfelt condolences to Oratile’s family, friends, and fellow students. TUT is committed to supporting the family and the University community during this difficult time.”
The discovery of Mothoa's body brings a tragic end to weeks of uncertainty and heartache for his family and the TUT community. However, the lingering questions surrounding his death and the family's suspicions of foul play ensure that the investigation into his death will continue to be closely watched.
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The family, meanwhile, is preparing to lay their son to rest while seeking answers about the circumstances that led to his untimely death.
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