By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services (SAPS) in Gauteng are probing a murder case following the discovery of the remains of Dr. Gomolemo Mokae, a political activist , author and medical doctor, at his residence in Ga-Rakuwa.
Dr Mokae (61) was found dead at his house in Ga-Rankuwa zone 1 in Tshwane on Wednesday, 5 March at about 6pm.
Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said police are investigating a case of murder.
“A case of murder is opened for further investigations after the body of a 61-year-old man was found decomposed in his house at Ga-Rankuwa on 5 March 2025. The circumstances surrounding the incident and cause of death are subject to police investigations,” said Nevhuhulwi.
According to South African History Online, Mokae was born in Mokopane in Limpopo. He was the last of eight children born of a Methodist minister, Reverend Modisagarekwe Michael and Lotlamoreng Elizabeth Mokae.
His parents’ migrant missionary life took him across Limpopo Province. Mokae’s tertiary education was acquired at the University of Natal Medical School, now Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, where he enrolled for the MB ChB degree.
Mokae thereafter served his internship at Baragwanath Hospital (now Chis Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital). He later started a general practice in Soweto before moving on to Ga-Rankuwa.
Mokae was an ardent and active promoter of African languages. He had numerous literary works published and television dramas broadcast. The published works include Masego, Short, not tall stories, Kaine le Abele, The secret in my bosom and Nnete ke serunya. The TV dramas Gaabo Motho, Lisenethini – It’s a goaland and The secret in my bosom, were broadcast by the SABC.
Mokae has received numerous honours for his literary works and social activism. The Vista (university) Prestigious Award. Bertrams V.O. Literature of Africa Award. The African Achievers’ Award from Ekhaya Foundation. Maskew-Miller-Longman’s African Heritage Literary Award. The Nation-Builder Award from Batho Batsho Bakopane (“B3”). The Professor Alexander Petrie Award. The latter was for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts and Humanities from the University of Natal.
Vista University awarded him an honorary doctorate for his literary works. Also for his political and social activism. The following year, the institution conferred on him a scholastic Ph.D. for this biographical study of former ANC guerrilla Robert McBride.
Many regarded him as a “liberation hero”, having served as the national spokesperson of the Azanian People’s Organisation (Azapo). When circumstances required, Mokae showed his other side—an intellectual of note. He was not arrogant and respected all people, including his political opponents. In return, he enjoyed the respect and adoration of friends and foe alike.
Mokae, Itumeleng Mosala, a Sopa (Socialist Party of Azania) member, together with Sopa president Lybon Mabasa left Azapo in 1996 after they were accused of sowing divisions within the organisation.
They had led Azapo inside the country and had just re-united with the BCMA (Black Consciousness Movement of Azania) which was led by Mosibudi Mangena, Mpotseng Jairus Kgokong, current national organiser Strike Thokoane and Vuyisa Qunta.