Family mourns doctor’s tragic death!

THE family devastated and angry following the death of prominent author, medical doctor, and political commentator Dr Gomolemo Mokae (61).

Dr Mokae was found murdered in his home in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 1, and his body was in a state of decomposition on Wednesday, 5 March.

According to his older brother Johnnie Mokae, neighbours alerted police after noticing a strange smell emanating from the house.

“I can safely say my brother was killed inside the house. There were blood spots from the passage to the bedroom, on the bed where he slept, and the floor where we found him lying. There was a lot of blood. There were spots of blood on the wall as well,” he said.

Johnnie further explained that bloodied footprints suggested a struggle had occurred.

“The body was badly decomposed. It looked like a lot of blood came from the back of the head,” he said.

Dr Mokae was known for his dedication to his community.

Despite his academic achievements, he remained rooted in his kasi to be among his people.

“I spoke to him a week ago after the storm in Tshwane about a big tree that had collapsed in our yard,” said Johnnie.

Dr Mokae started his career as an intern at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto. Then, he began his general practice in Soweto before relocating to Ga-Rankuwa.

Apart from his medical career, Dr Mokae was a strong promoter of African languages, with notable works such as Masego, Short, and Kaine le Abele.

He was honoured with several awards, including the Vista Prestigious Award and the Bertrams V.O. Literature of Africa Award, and the African Achievers Award from Ekhaya Foundation.

The now-defunct Vista University awarded Mokae an honorary doctorate in 2003 for his literary contributions and social activism. He had a significant impact on TV scriptwriting, notably in the 1990s series Gaabo Motho (Someone’s Home), focusing on the return of exiles during South Africa’s political transition.

He also wrote Lisenethini – It’s A Goal, celebrating South Africa’s football legends, and The Secret to My Bosom, based on his book.

All of these aired on the SABC.

Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, Gauteng Police spokeswoman said: “A case of murder is opened for further investigation following the decomposed body of the victim was found in his house. Cause of death is unknown at this stage, pending postmortem results.”

Dr Mokae was born in Ga-Mokopane, Limpopo, and completed his medical education at the University of Natal Medical School, now known as the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine.

He is survived by his son.