Moorosi Tsiane
A Thaba-Tseka man, convicted of the brutal murder of his 3-year-old son, has been sentenced to indefinite detention “at the King’s pleasure,” rather than the typical 20 to 30-year prison term often handed down in murder cases.
Reli Letuka, from Khohlo-Ntšo Bokong near Thaba-Tseka, was found guilty in February 2025 by Justice Tšeliso Mokoko after he stabbed his toddler son 21 times on 18 October 2021. However, a subsequent psychological assessment revealed Letuka was not mentally sound at the time of the crime.
Psychologist Khahliso Mokhaoli submitted a report last week indicating that Letuka suffered from deep-rooted psychological issues, including childhood trauma, hallucinations, substance abuse, and possible hereditary mental illness. According to the report, Letuka lost his mother at a young age, was abandoned by his father, and had to drop out of school to care for his siblings.
These hardships, combined with signs of psychosis, hallucinations, substance abuse, and possible genetic mental disorders, contributed to his emotional instability. The psychologist recommended further psychiatric evaluation.
Justice Mokoko acknowledged these findings.
“The court recognises that the accused was under considerable strain and is a first-time offender. He is 41 years old and illiterate,” Justice Mokoko said.
However, the judge made it clear that these factors did not excuse the killing.
“Murder is a serious offence. The victim was a defenceless 3-year-old child who had not provoked the accused in any way. As a father, the accused had both a natural and legal duty to care for the child—not to attack him for asking for food.”
The court found that Letuka met the criteria outlined under Section 172(3) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, which allows for individuals found to be mentally incapacitated to be detained indefinitely “at the King’s pleasure”.
As a result, Justice Mokoko ordered that Letuka be committed to indefinite detention, pending further court decisions.
“The court orders that the accused be detained at the King’s pleasure and remain in prison until the court is satisfied that he no longer poses a risk. He shall be assessed at Mohlomi Hospital, and the court must receive progress reports every six months beginning 30 January 2026..
This decision came after Ms Mokhaoli testified in court that Letuka was mentally unfit at the time of the crime. She had been tasked with evaluating his mental state at the request of Crown Counsel Advocate Thapelo Mokuku.
In her findings, Ms Mokhaoli explained that Letuka’s troubled upbringing had left him with deep-seated anger and unresolved trauma.
“He was mistreated as a child and witnessed his employer’s murder while working as a herdboy. That trauma, combined with his upbringing, has shaped a dangerously unstable personality.
“If someone is mentally present, they might stab once. But stabbing a child 21 times indicates severe emotional disturbance. This man has significant unresolved anger issues.”
Ms Mokhaoli also uncovered signs of inherited mental illness in Letuka’s family.
“The village is small, and many people there are related. I noticed physical traits, like abnormally small heads, among relatives that may point to a genetic mental health issue. During my interview with Letuka, he often spoke incoherently. Releasing him into the community without addressing these issues would be unsafe.”
Letuka was represented by Advocate Tšebeletso Motluli.