BLOEMFONTEIN – The horrific death of Kgethang Kgotso Khaeane mirrors another tragic loss suffered by the family not too long ago. Their daughter, Moleboheng Matshediso Khaeane, was killed in a motor vehicle accident. The grief-stricken father, Sello Khaeane, lamented that Kgotso’s death has reopened deep wounds for the family. Both died in their prime and in the month of July – Kgotso (25) on 5 July, and his sister, Moleboheng (33) on 20 July 2023.

The latter reportedly died after a head-on collision with a truck on the N1 outside Bloemfontein. Kgotso’s death has been classified as culpable homicide by the Free State police based on preliminary evidence from the ongoing investigation.
At the centre of the fatal incident is a prominent figure – Adv. Tankiso Mea, former municipal manager of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM).
Their father, Khaeane, revealed that both Moleboheng and Kgotso were bound by the same passion: pursuing journalism. Moleboheng was a video journalist who worked for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) in the Free State at the time of her death.

Kgotso was in his second year of a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism qualification at the University of the Free State (UFS), Bloemfontein campus. “We have been dealt a devastating blow with the untimely passing of Kgotso. He decided to pursue a journalism career to honour his sister Moleboheng,” said Khaeane, adding: “Kgotso’s death and the circumstances surrounding it are a double-edged sword.

“The pain is unbearable. This has reopened deep wounds for the family that was trying to come to terms with his sister’s death involving a vehicle,” said a visibly drained father.

Kgotso had previously obtained a certificate in Television and Filmmaking at the PAS Media Academy, which is based in Bloemfontein. Proof that he had a bright future in his chosen career path was his being presented with the Best Assignment accolade for one of his submitted class papers.

Kgotso is fondly remembered by his family, friends, fellow students, as well as fellow worshippers at the St Mark’s Roman Catholic Church, for living up to his name, Kgethang Kgotso, meaning “chose peace.”
One speaker after another described him as someone with a kind heart, who had a unique sense of humour, and a love for people. Kgotso was also praised for behaving respectfully towards others, regardless of the difference in their age.
Kgotso was laid to rest on Saturday 18 July, after the police completed a forensic post-mortem. Kgomotso Moroosele, spokesperson for the family, said it was fitting to lay Kgotso to rest with dignity and give him the farewell he deserved. “A hero’s farewell for his sacrifice in trying to save someone… he lost his life in the most incomprehensible way,” said a visibly distraught Moroosele.