Two elderly men (75 and 92), who allegedly killed a fellow elderly resident in an old age home near Brits, have both died in prison in the past week while waiting for their bail hearing.
A spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxumalo confirmed the death of Jeremiah Mmatli (75) on 20 June at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre in Pretoria, and the death of 92-year-old Daniel Madumo on Saturday 22 June.
“We are not in a position to disclose the cause or nature of the death of Mmatli,” Nxumalo said. “Madumo had to be transferred to an outside hospital on 22 June 2024 due to health complications and sadly passed away on 24 June 2024.”
Mmatli and Madumo were arrested on 30 May after they allegedly attacked an 80-year-old fellow resident, Godfrey Thema, with crutches.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani, the murder followed a fight between three elderly men in an old age home in Jericho. “According to information, 80-year-old Godfrey Thema Motsepe was coming out of the bathroom around 04:00 on Thursday, 30 May, and encountered Mmatli (75) and Madumo (92). The deceased allegedly bumped into one of them who hit him with his crutches. His companion joined in the fight and both assaulted the victim,” Funani said. Thema was declared dead upon arrival at a hospital.
They were supposed to appear in court for a formal bail application on Friday, but Mmatli died the day before.
“With both accused now deceased, the court will provide direction in the court case,” Nxumalo said.

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