RESIDENTS are fuming after the brutal murder of community activist Thato Molosankwe in Lomanyaneng, Mahikeng, North West.
Molosankwe, a respected leader, was shot multiple times at his home on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, by a group of armed men.
Shocked residents gathered outside his home, expressing grief and anger over the senseless killing.
One resident described Molosankwe as "Segatlhamelamasisi" (a warrior).
She said: "The deceased was kind, helpful and always thoughtful towards us. He helped in many ways we could think of. He was our child and always wanted things to be done properly. We've lost a lot in his death, and we're really traumatised. I so wish police could do their job and find these killers."
She recalled how he once helped her find her missing kid and brought the child home safely.
Another resident described Molosankwe as gentle and soft-spoken, saying, "Indeed, his death has touched me badly because I used to engage with Thato a lot about my challenges. His death has deeply affected me, and I didn't expect it. Just last night (Tuesday, 19 May) I spoke with him."
She added that Molosankwe was expected to assist families who lost property in a shack fire and that he provided free Wi-Fi for local kids' studies.
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A third resident said: "Eish, brother, I just left the crime scene. I'm going back to work. It's difficult, this one. We were supposed to meet next Tuesday to discuss a way forward on the issue of illegal foreign-owned businesses."
Molosankwe's elder brother told reporters he received several calls, including one from a younger brother who lived with Thato.
He rushed to the scene and found police present.
He was told by police Thato was shot with 12 bullets, though this couldn't be confirmed.
"His body was taken to the mortuary, and I can't tell the motive for the incident. But Thato was an activist of note, and many never approved of what he was doing because they would not be successful in whatever they were doing, because Thato was vocal. He was also vocal on unregistered business involving foreign nationals."
MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng, urged the community to remain calm and allow police to investigate.
He urged anyone with information to come forward and expressed confidence that the police would apprehend the perpetrators, noting that the national police had taken over the case.
Morweng described Molosankwe as a robust and fair leader who criticised wrongdoing but also praised authorities when they acted in the community's interest.
The Mahikeng Local Municipality also expressed shock.
Municipality spokesman Jerry Matebesi said they learned with deep sadness and concern about the tragic passing of community activist and humanitarian Molosankwe.
"Mr Molosankwe was widely known for his contribution towards community development, anti-crime initiatives, social activism and campaigns aimed at restoring dignity and moral consciousness within society. His passing has sent shockwaves across Mahikeng and the broader North West community."
Matebesi said the municipality extends its sincere condolences to the Molosankwe family, friends, colleagues, community members and all those whose lives were touched by his work and activism.
