A dark cloud looms over the Mothilal family as they are forced to come to terms with the tragic death of 27-year-old Jonah Mothilal. His life was cut short by a man he had once believed to be his best friend, a man whom Jonah’s family had welcomed into their home on more than one occasion.
The tragic incident unfolded on Sunday, 7 July 2024, after Jonah had travelled to Johannesburg with his friend Mohamed Patel to purchase a vehicle.
Jonah’s father, Pastor Sam Mothilal, explained, “Jonah had left on Saturday with Patel and stayed the night so that Jonah could go look at a car he wanted and hopefully buy. He had photos of the car, as he had been communicating with the dealership, but he wanted to make sure of the vehicle and make the necessary arrangements with the insurance so he could drive it home.”
However, the purchase of the car did not take place as planned. “I called Jonah at around 12 pm to see if he had bought the car, but Jonah explained there were some faults with the car, and he decided not to buy it,” said Pastor Mothilal, who pointed out that Jonah then said he would be heading home. Jonah let his mother and sister also know that he was heading back to Newcastle and would be home by about 6 pm.
During this time, Pastor Mothilal and his wife had gone out to visit a friend, and when they arrived home slightly after 10 pm, Jonah was still not at home. This immediately set off alarm bells, and becoming worried about Jonah’s safety, Pastor Mothilal explained that he then called Patel.
It is here that things took a dark turn and the Mothilal family’s world changed forever. Pastor Mothilal explained that according to Patel, on the way back to Newcastle, Jonah had decided to look at a vehicle in Volksrust and decided to buy it.
“Patel claimed that after purchasing the vehicle, Jonah had ridden behind him on the way home, and Jonah had then allegedly turned back to return to Volksrust as he had left his bag there,” noted Pastor Mothilal, who added that Patel then claimed to have returned home while Jonah went back to Volksrust.
Mothilal explained he then went to the Newcastle SAPS to open a missing person’s case as he suspected something was wrong. After being advised to wait for 24 hours to open the case, Pastor Mothilal spent the night searching for his son with another pastor. During this time, he explained he contacted Patel again, who said he was tired and sleeping, and after that, Patel’s phone went off.
On Monday, 8 July 2024, Pastor Mothilal continued the search for Jonah alongside a police escort, stopping at various fuelling stations and businesses to determine if Jonah had been seen anywhere from Volksrust to Newcastle.
However, when he could not find his son or any trace of his whereabouts, Pastor Mothilal was advised to close Jonah’s bank accounts.
“While I was at the bank, the police contacted me to explain that I should return to the police station, as they had found a body approximately 10km from Charlestown, not far from Volksrust,” he explained.
Upon arriving at the station, it was confirmed that the deceased the police had found was indeed Jonah Mothilal’s body. He had been shot at point-blank range at the back of his head. Distraught by the news, Pastor Mothilal then went home with the daunting task of letting his family know that the search for Jonah had tragically ended.
After Jonah’s body was transported to the mortuary, and Pastor Mothilal had broken the news to his wife, Patel came to the Mothilal household to offer his condolences. “He even offered to help financially for Jonah’s funeral,” said Pastor Mothilal.
However, when police investigations began gaining momentum, it was discovered that Patel’s story around the day Jonah disappeared and died had loopholes.
Such was the nature of the police investigations, he was soon arrested and charged with Jonah Mothilal’s death, confirmed Newcastle SAPS station commander, Brigadier Naidoo.
“Patel and Jonah were friends for over 12 years, since primary school days. They went fishing together, camping together, hunting together,” said an emotionally wrought Pastor Mothilal, who could not understand how his son’s best friend was responsible for the murder.
Mohamed Patel is now expected to appear in Newcastle Court on Thursday, 1 August 2024, for his bail application, which the Mothilal family is against.
As the court proceedings now wind up against Jonah’s friend, Mohamed Patel, Pastor Mothilal described Jonah as a kind-hearted, gentle giant. “He would not leave the house without kissing his mother or me goodbye,” began Pastor Mothilal, who further pointed out that Jonah was always willing to help others.
As the Mothilal family grieves for the loss of Jonah, Pastor Mothilal stated that the overwhelming response and comfort from the Global Outreach Missions, Cutting Edge Ministries, the Newcastle community, and SAPS have been overwhelming. “My family and I are eternally grateful to all who have reacted so quickly and offered to help in every way. The condolences never stopped. Thank you all,” concluded Pastor Mothilal.
As the court proceedings are set to continue this week, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 24
We are living in strange times. Echoes of Sodom and Gomorrah. Evil everywhere in this world. Cannot trust anyone anymore
Lock him up and throw away the key. In cases like this I wish we still had the death penalty. Life for a life is the only way to stop these monsters. Also, CPF, OPS or even the Newcastle crime fighters task team wasn’t mentioned here, did they not assist? Why is that?
This is a tragic ordeal that this family is going through. I don’t think the father, who has just lost his son needs to gives shout outs to everyone involved, like the CPF and security companies…how can you even say this, considering the circumstances?! God bless this family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Comprehension is a skill we are taught at a very young age, I think you need to touch up on yours because if you could comprehend then you would have understood my statement indicated that those groups DID NOT ASSIST and I asked WHY NOT. Getting rid of beggers, reporting on how people being mugged or how feeding the homeless is a massive issue is what the CPF and those security companies do best but in cases like this there was no no to minimum involvement. Next time read to understand not read to respond.
Wow, are you actually kidding right now!! You want security companies to get credit?????!!!!!!!!! Credit for what you moron! HOW COLD ARE YOU!!!! These parents are going through a nightmare and you want security companies to be credited!!!!!!!! CREDITED FOR WHAT!!!!! You clearly work for a security company. Shame on you! Rotten human being! Next time have the balls to comment under your real name. You people with your anonymous names……..GROW A PAIR YOU COWARD!
My sincere condolences to all the family and friends this is so tragic
Hi cc, please take time and read that statement again. I think u got it wrong
Thank you! At least you are able to read with understanding.
You are another person that is unable to comprehend. Comprehension is a skill we are taught at a very young age, I think you need to touch up on yours because if you could comprehend then you would have understood my statement indicated that those groups DID NOT ASSIST and I asked WHY NOT. Getting rid of beggers, reporting on how people being mugged or how feeding the homeless is a massive issue is what the CPF and those security companies do best but in cases like this there was no no to minimum involvement. Next
time read to understand not read to respond.
Get off your high horse ANONR. Show compassion and respect for the deceased and his family.
Well said, Shivani.
Give him the death penalty
My deepest condolences to the family RIP Jonah
God give the family strength through this hard time. May God be with you throughout. Heartbreaking 😭😭🙏
May his family please he from this, I pray his “friend” can tell the family the truth about what happened, so they can find peace. 🙏
Sad times indeed.
Condolences to the family… The friend must be given the death penalty or a lengthy sentence for this horrid crime.
Best friends do not behave like this .
I think most of you fail to realise ANONR included, is that the CPF is “neighbourhood watch” type of organisation consisting of ordinary community members and private security who volunteer their time and resources, gratis, for the community . They do what they can to prevent crime within their skillset. Informing the public of community feeding initiatives and crime hot spots is extremely helpful to us normal people. Dont join such groups if you are not interested, participation is voluntary .The CPF do not and can not investigate crime, that is the function of the police. Missing person information is disseminated by the police and the CPF informs the communities as and when received, to be on the lookout. Any perceived police incompetence or negligence can not and should not be attributed to such community based crime patrols like the CPF. Did you, ANONR ,
search for the victim or contribute in any way? Perhaps you should read the article again. The deceased’s father mentioned “overwhelming support” from the community and police. The deceased was found within 2 days of being reported missing and a suspect has been charged. Thats commendable. People are still waiting years for their family members to be found or the perpetrators to be brought to book. The CPF probably did assist behind the scenes. Condolences to the family of the deceased.
The CPF and Security companies are driven by financial and business motives.
What was the motive behind the shooting, I really don’t get it
Condolences to the family,
United we should be
All communities should respect each other.
There are good and bad elements in every unit of every society
Do not follow the International stage of in fighting as it diminishes love and respect between people and also a community have a duty of kindness and goodness toward each other.
Many people and communities help and nothing Is stopping any community to help and be the change they want to see in others in good and helpful ways
So, see it for what it is.
Sad
Someone was murdered
A family is grieving
A community is in shock
Take care
God bless
Compassion and condolences are there on both sides . But how can muhammed be convicted on evidence that is not there . Loop holes are not enough . Muhammed himself has a giant heart and is not capable of hurting someone so close to him . Easy to play the blame game wen no truth has been found .
There is a strong case against him. What do you mean “loopholes” . Hitler had a giant heart according to those that loved him, she can be said for Idi Amin. This is real life, not some Bollywood movie.
You are very correct. The CPF always put money first , this became clear when news of the kidnapping in Ladysmith by the guy from cellfix in Newcastle corner . 1 of those Pakistanis arrested for the kidnapping Irfaan Khan was out patrolling with the cpf late last year or early this year. There is no record of him ever passing the cpf patrollers requirements. When the issue was addressed cpf members refused to deal with the issue and insist on hiding the issue . He was let into the cpf because he simply because he is friends with certain cpf members and policemen . He and members of the Pakistani crime gangs in Newcastle are getting away with many crimes simply because they are paying off police and working hand in hand with locals who assist them with their crimes. Money talks and crimes slide. Anyone who wants to deny this can visit me at my shop and address the issue
I can totally agree with you. What type of vetting process is being followed for persons on the CPF and other groups that “work” alongside the SAPS and Traffic police ? There is too much of lawlessness tolerated because of “contacts”.
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