The family of 33-year-old Phineas Mosima, who died under suspicious circumstances following a car crash in Ext 26, eMbalenhle, on August 17, 2025, is demanding justice. The tragic incident has ignited outrage in the community and raised serious concerns about police conduct and accountability.

The Circumstances of the Death

According to reports, Mosima was involved in a collision that led to his hospitalisation. He was certified dead on arrival at the hospital. Initially, the death was classified as “mysterious,” prompting an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). The family was devastated by the news, especially as they continued to grapple with the trauma of losing their loved one. His sister, Rebecca Mosima, expressed her anguish, saying, “Phineas was a disciplined person. We thought he was attacked by criminals, but hearing that police officers are suspects shocked us. If he had broken the law, they should have arrested him, not taken his life.”

Mosima, a father to a three-year-old son, was laid to rest on August 23 in Limpopo. The family now faces the painful task of explaining the circumstances surrounding his death to his young child, raising concerns about the impact this loss will have on his future.

Arrests and Bail Hearing

On August 26, three police officers stationed in eMbalenhle—Constables Ina Mahlangu (34), Lucky Shabangu (35), and Musa Hlanze (32)—were arrested in connection with Mosima’s death. They face charges of murder and defeating the ends of justice.

The officers appeared before the Evander Magistrate’s Court on September 5, 2025, to apply for bail. Despite the absence of electricity in the courtroom, proceedings continued as the court adopted an “old-style” process, with magistrates and court officials recording evidence manually.

During the bail hearing, the officers presented affidavits, and the prosecution called witnesses from the investigation team at IPID. The court acknowledged the urgency of the bail application, emphasising that the failure to grant bail could prejudice the accused, especially given the ongoing investigation.

The magistrate reviewed evidence from the investigation officer and the witnesses, ultimately ruling that exceptional circumstances justify the suspects’ release. The matter was postponed to October 8, 2025, for further investigation and review.

The Community’s Outcry

The family’s plea for justice is echoed by community members and human rights advocates who are calling for transparency and accountability. The family’s demand is simple yet profound: they want the police officers responsible for Mosima’s death to face the full weight of the law, ”jailed for life,” as his sister articulated.

Next Steps

The three officers, who have been granted bail of R1,000 each, are expected to return to court on October 8, 2025, as investigations continue. The community and the family are awaiting the outcome of the case, hoping that justice will finally be served for Phineas Mosima.

Conclusion

This case highlights the urgent need for police accountability and proper oversight. The community demands that justice be done and that those responsible for the death of Phineas Mosima be held accountable to restore faith in law enforcement and uphold human rights.