By Staff Reporter
LEPHALALE – Chairperson of the Limpopo Artist Movement (LAM), Mphoza Mashabela, has urged artists to avoid travelling late at night after performances, warning that exhaustion and unsafe travel conditions continue to claim the lives of local performers.
Mashabela made the heartfelt appeal during the funeral of Lekompo artist Molimisi “Dr. Nel” Baaitsi (31) on Saturday at his home village of Botshabelo (Roborooi 2) in Lephalale.
He encouraged artists to request accommodation or, if necessary, rest in their vehicles rather than taking the risk of driving long distances while fatigued.
“It’s better to arrive late than not arrive at all,” Mashabela said. “We are losing too many talented people on the roads. Artists should rest if it’s late rather than risk their lives.”
According to Tom Burke police, a case of culpable homicide has been opened following the death of Baaitsi, whose body was discovered along the road at Botshabelo Village in the early hours of Sunday.
A passerby alerted police about a person lying on Ga-Seleka’s Phetogo Drive, and upon arrival, officers found the 31-year-old artist lying face down on the road. He was declared dead at the scene by Witpoort Emergency Medical Services personnel.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Preliminary reports indicate that Dr. Nel was last seen performing during the grand opening of a local pubearlier that morning.
During his speech, Mashabela also criticised local police for allegedly dragging their feet in the investigation and accused some community members of protecting the suspect.
“Those who know the suspect must come forward,” he said. “We’ve requested the Provincial Commissioner to intervene because the police here are dragging their feet. Why are Lephalale people protecting a criminal?”
Police have confirmed that the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Lesiba Tsebeon 071 466 6558, visit the nearest police station, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
