A Missing TUT Student Was Found Dead In Silverton East Of Pretoria. In a heartbreaking turn of events, the family and friends of Oratile Mothoa, a second-year journalism student from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), are mourning the devastating confirmation of his passing. After six agonizing weeks of uncertainty and searching, the missing TUT student was found dead in Silverton, a suburb situated east of Pretoria, South Africa.
The Day Oratile Disappeared
Oratile Mothoa, a young and passionate journalism student with a promising future ahead, disappeared without a trace on 7 March 2025. On that day, Oratile reportedly took an e-hailing ride from his student campus located in Soshanguve, a township northwest of Pretoria. According to his family, he never returned to his student accommodation, sparking immediate concern and a desperate search by loved ones.
Despite filing a missing person’s report and canvassing the streets of Soshanguve and surrounding areas, no clues emerged for weeks. His family, particularly his uncle Sello Mothoa, remained vocal and involved in efforts to locate him, driven by hope and community support.
A Shocking Discovery in Silverton
Six weeks after his disappearance, the search for the missing TUT student took a grim turn when authorities informed the Mothoa family that Oratile’s body had been discovered in a local mortuary. The body had been found earlier near the N4 freeway in Silverton, east of Pretoria, coinciding with the date he was reported missing.
The family identified the body on Tuesday, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty but opening the door to a series of disturbing questions. How did Oratile end up in Silverton? What happened after he left campus? And most importantly, what caused his death?
Conflicting Clues and Suspicious Circumstances
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the initial assumption was that Oratile might have been hit by a car while walking along or crossing the freeway. However, what followed shook the family to their core. Authorities later told them that preliminary investigations suggested he had already been dead for some time before the alleged accident occurred.
This revelation has led to growing suspicion that the scene might have been staged or at the very least, not as straightforward as it first appeared. For the Mothoa family, this raises more questions than answers.
Family Seeks Justice and Truth
“We are hurting. We thought we’d find him alive. So, unfortunately, he was found dead. We are not okay,” said Sello Mothoa, speaking to the media. The grief-stricken family is now preparing for Oratile’s funeral, scheduled for Friday.
The pain and heartbreak are compounded by the lack of clarity surrounding his death. As a result, the family is demanding a transparent and thorough investigation into the incident.
Police Investigation and Case Opened
The SAPS has since opened a case of culpable homicide and launched a formal investigation. Detectives are now looking into all possibilities, including:
| Key Investigation Areas | Details |
|---|---|
| Timeline and route of the e-hailing ride | What happened after Oratile got into the vehicle? |
| Autopsy results | Time of death, cause of death, and potential signs of foul play |
| CCTV footage | Footage from roads and businesses near the N4 and Silverton area |
| Phone records and GPS data | Last known location and activity before he went off the grid |
| Driver identification | Identity and statements from the e-hailing service driver |
The Role of E-Hailing Services in Student Safety
Oratile’s tragic death also brings into focus the safety concerns associated with e-hailing services for students. Many students, especially those living far from home, rely on these services daily for commuting between campuses, accommodations, and city centers.
In recent years, there have been increasing reports and public concerns about crime, abduction, and misuse of e-hailing platforms, especially in South Africa’s major cities. Oratile’s case may sadly become a flashpoint for revisiting the issue of regulation and safety protocols for these services, particularly when it comes to young and vulnerable commuters like university students.
Community Reaction: TUT and Public Mourn the Loss
The Tshwane University of Technology expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their student and extended condolences to the Mothoa family. Fellow students and staff remember Oratile as a bright, driven, and warm-hearted individual who was passionate about storytelling and journalism.
A candlelight vigil is expected to be held at the Soshanguve campus, with students demanding answers and better safety measures for learners commuting in and around Pretoria.
Emotional Toll on Students and Families
Losing a loved one under such mysterious and painful circumstances leaves behind an emotional scar that’s hard to heal. Students at TUT, particularly those from the journalism department, have described feelings of fear, anxiety, and helplessness. Many now find themselves questioning their own safety when using public transport or walking around their neighborhoods.
Urgent Need for Safer Urban Environments for Students
This incident once again highlights the urgent need for enhanced student protection, including:
- Improved lighting and security near campuses
- Emergency alert systems in e-hailing apps
- Regular background checks for ride drivers
- Student-only transport services in high-risk areas
- Partnerships between universities and law enforcement
How the Public Can Help
While police continue their investigation, the public is being urged to come forward with any information that may assist in uncovering the truth behind Oratile Mothoa’s death. Tips can be submitted anonymously via Crime Stop (08600 10111) or at the nearest police station.
Community support is vital in ensuring that justice is served and that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Oratile Mothoa is a stark reminder of how quickly a promising life can be cut short under mysterious circumstances. As his family prepares to lay him to rest, a community is left reeling and demanding answers. For them, justice for Oratile is not only about closure — it is about accountability and the hope that no other student will have to suffer a similar fate.
