FAMILY IN MOURNING
Segametsi Mogomotsi’s family dreads revisiting brutal murder 27 years on, family still can’t forget Segametsi’s murder Her life celebrated to finally close chapter on seeking answers Related family suffer similar fate with murder of a teacher
ogomotsi family elders in Mochudi have decided to let sleeping dogs lie after 27 years of choking pain, nightmares, living in fear, fighting for justice and being pitied.
Not because they have answers on what could have happened to one of their own, Segametsi Mogomotsi in 1994, or who was behind her brutal killing, but because they are tired and have lost all hope of the truth ever coming out.
Speaking to The Midweek Sun at the family home this past weekend during a remembrance for Segametsi, the uncle to Segametsi, Thebe Mogomotsi said they are closing the chapter on the controversial murder of his niece.
“The family has been looking for answers for many years, they never came. We decide to let it all go. This issue has haunted us all our lives. Our hearts still ache but for peace sake, we choose not to revisit that path anymore,” Thebe said.
Segametsi’s mother, Ninie Mogomotsi, said she has been battling prolonged ill health to this end.
“I have not been well, the pain is unbearable. I try to forget and move on but I can’t. She was only doing Form 1 when I lost her. By now she would be a grown up woman in her forties,” Ninie said.
Remembering her sweet little girl, Ninie said her daughter would have probably taken her out of poverty, noting that she was a very intelligent student. She had expected much from Segametsi, but sadly, her life was cut short at a tender age of 14.
Segametsi’s aunt Sarah Ramosai said remembering one of their own was all they can do to keep her memory alive, saying they believe that the pain that had engulfed the Mogomotsi family will finally be washed away.
“We never thought that one day we would be gathered here paying tribute to our fallen angel. She will surely rest in peace,” she said.
Another aunt, Bontle Mogomotsi said, “It is a beautiful day for us. We have trumpets playing and celebrating Segametsi who was very special to us. We are thankful for this day.”
Rauwe Mogomotsi said, “I am happy someone has remembered my sister in
Ninie and the pain she has been going through.
“We have throughout the years been saddened by the manner in
which Segametsi died, honouring her like this is part of the healing process,” he said.