While the police in the Free State confirmed that a case of culpable homicide was under investigation into the high-profile death of Kgethang Kgotso Khaeane (25), a suspect is yet to be arrested.

Adv. Tankiso Mea, former city manager of the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM), is at the centre of the fatal incident that is fraught with allegations of superiority and police inaction doing the rounds on social media platforms.

Brig. Thandi Mbambo, spokesperson for the provincial police, confirmed that Mea gave a warning statement at the Kagisanong Police Station on Monday 13 July.

This comes as calls for justice intensify following the death of Khaeane on Sunday 5 July, in Bloemanda.

The deceased was a student at the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein.

“No arrest has been made at this stage, pending the finalisation of the investigation. Once all witness statements and outstanding reports, including the post-mortem report, have been received and analysed, the docket will be submitted to the senior state prosecutor for a decision,” said Mbambo.

“The post-mortem report and other forensic evidence remain outstanding. These will assist in determining the full circumstances of the incident.”

Mbambo said according to witness statements, Khaeane was fatally run over by a vehicle at about 05:38 in Tau Street, Blomanda.

Pressure is mounting from the public for the police to impartially conduct in-depth investigations, with calls for justice in support of the grief-stricken Khaeane family. Further to this are allegations of an act of injustice.

“The police is also aware of allegations making the rounds. As with all information relevant to the matter, it will be assessed as part of the ongoing investigation. All cases are investigated impartially, irrespective of the occupation or status of any person who may be implicated,” said Mbambo.

She appealed to members of the public to allow the investigation to run its course and refrain from circulating unverified information that may prejudice the investigation.

Political parties in the Free State – namely the DA and the Congress of the People (Cope) – have strongly echoed calls for justice for Khaeane.

“The DA calls on the police to conduct a swift, impartial and professional investigation. We also urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information, photographs or video footage to come forward and assist the police with its investigation,” said Roy Jankielsohn, DA spokesperson for Community Safety in the Free State Legislature.

Teboho Loate, Cope leader, confirmed the party lodged a formal complaint with the office of the provincial commissioner of the police concerning the alleged handling of Khaeane’s case.

“The complaint calls on the provincial commissioner to urgently intervene by ensuring that the investigation is thoroughly conducted and without unnecessary delay: that all investigative and legal processes are properly followed; that the investigating officer maintains regular communication with the family; and that the public is assured that no individual would be seen to be above the law. The tragic death of Kgethang Kgotso Khaeane shouldn’t become another case where justice is delayed because of political influence or perceived privilege,” said Loate.

Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, Free State premier, and Jabu Mbalula, MEC for Community Safety, Roads, and Transport, visited the bereaved family on Friday 10 July to offer condolences and express deep sorrow.

“We were quite disturbed by remarks, said to have been made by the alleged perpetrator, regarding the matter. I want to assure the people of Mangaung that the case is a priority. A young life was needlessly lost. We are told that brave Kgotso was trying to assist a young woman who was being violated,” said Letsoha-Mathae.