The family of a man who was used as a decoy in convicted murderer Thabo Bester's prison escape says they have been dealt a double blow as they are now forced to wait longer to bury him. Katlego Mpholo's body will not be released to his family until an autopsy is performed which could take a couple of days or even weeks. 

"WE WILL WAIT" 

However, the family said they are willing to wait so that the pathologists can thoroughly investigate what happened to their son. Speaking to ZiMoja, Katlego's father Batho Mpholo said it will be a dreadful wait for the family, but they hope the police will finalise their investigation by the end of the week. He said he finds comfort in the fact that his son's body has been found and identified and he will be given a decent burial. "It's not an easy time for the whole family. Everyone is struggling to come to terms with the loss because we had hoped that one day Katlego would return home alive," said Mpholo.  

NOT COPING 

Mpholo said Katlego's mother wasn't taking the news well. He said she had to be taken to hospital after she collapsed. "The family is really dealing with a lot. It's been a year of dreadfully searching for Katlego in hospitals and mortuaries, everyone needs closure." SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the deceased had been identified through DNA tests. "Police can confirm that the charred body found in cell 35 at Mangaung Correctional Centre has been identified following a direct match with the biological mother of the deceased. The family has been notified by the Investigating Officer. As difficult as this news is, SAPS is pleased to bring closure to the family," Mathe added. Previously the police said the man in cell 35 on the 3rd of May 2022 did not die from smoke inhalation but from blunt force trauma. Free State Social Development Department said they have linked the team investigating the case with social workers, who will give the family psycho-social support. The department also said their social workers will also support the family when they go identify the body.