Accused (75) in old-age home murder, dies in prison

BRITS – 75-year-old Jeremiah Mmatli (left) has died at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria. He was held at the centre following his arrest last month. Mmatli, 75, and Daniel Madumo (right), 92, were arrested for allegedly killing Godfrey Temu, 80, at an old age home in Jericho.

At the time of their arrest, the police’s spokesperson, Amanda Funani said the victim had bumped into one of the accused in the early hours of the morning on Thursday, 30 May, when a fight broke out. “The victim allegedly bumped one of the suspects, who hit the former with his crutches. The suspect’s companion apparently joined his friend, and they both assaulted the victim.”

The spokesperson for the Correctional Services department, Singabakho Nxumalo, confirmed Mmatli died on Thursday last week. “I can confirm the passing of Jeremiah Mmatli on 20 June 2024. He was remanded at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre. We are not in a position the disclose the cause or nature of death,” he said in a brief response to media questions.

Madumo is expected back in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where bail proceedings are expected to continue. The matter was postponed to Tuesday due to the accused not being able to make it to court.