The Mothilal family’s profound grief has evolved into a determined pursuit of justice as legal proceedings progress against Muhammed Patel, who stands accused of the violent murder and robbery of his longtime friend, Jonah Mothilal.
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Recently, Patel, aged 27, appeared in court for his bail hearing, where he was denied bail due to the gravity of the charges against him.
Many Newcastillians will recall the tragic series of events that began on 7 July 2024, when Patel and Mothilal travelled together to Centurion. The two friends, journeying in Patel’s vehicle, were heading to purchase Mothilal’s dream car, a BMW X5. They carried with them R380,000 in cash, the money Mothilal had saved up to buy the vehicle.
However, the transaction fell through, and as the pair made their way back to Newcastle, Mothilal mysteriously disappeared. It was only the next day, 8 July 2024, that Mothilal was discovered, shot and killed in what authorities described as an execution-style murder. For Mothilal’s grieving family, the nightmare escalated when Muhammed Patel, who had been Jonah’s close friend since childhood, was arrested and charged with the crime.
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In the latest court proceedings, crucial details came to light. The investigating officer revealed that Patel had not been honest about the events surrounding Mothilal’s death.
While Patel admitted they had gone to Centurion for the vehicle, and had begun their return journey, he alleged that a robbery took place in Balfour during which his firearm was stolen. Patel claimed that he and Mothilal tried to escape their assailants, who supposedly entered Patel’s vehicle during the return trip to Newcastle.
However, Patel’s account soon began to unravel.
It was revealed that the supposed robbery had never been reported to authorities, and the firearm theft was also unreported. Investigators determined that Mothilal had been shot with a 9mm firearm, the same calibre weapon registered to Patel. Adding to the mounting suspicion, surveillance footage from a fuel station in Standerton contradicted Patel’s timeline, showing both him and Mothilal stopping at the station during the period when Patel claimed they were being robbed.
Pastor Sam Mothilal, Jonah’s father, added further weight to the inconsistencies in Patel’s story.
According to Pastor Mothilal, Patel had told the family a different version of events on the day of the crime. Patel claimed that after returning from Centurion, the pair stopped in Volksrust, where Jonah spotted another BMW X5 for sale. Patel said Jonah purchased the vehicle but later realised he had forgotten his wallet in Volksrust and returned to retrieve it, while Patel continued to Newcastle.
These conflicting versions of the events, coupled with the discovery of nearly R300,000 in cash buried in Patel’s yard, have raised serious doubts about Patel’s innocence. During the court proceedings, it became clear that the evidence against Patel was piling up. Reflecting on the hearing, Pastor Mothilal expressed relief that Patel’s bail had been denied. “Justice is being served,” Pastor Mothilal remarked. “To date, Patel is showing no remorse and not coming out with the truth. He even wants to appeal against the bail decision at the High Court.”
As the legal proceedings continue, Pastor Mothilal pointed out that the State appears to have a strong case against Patel. “He had the money on him, there are the conflicting stories about his firearm, and there is a lot of evidence against him,” he stated.
Looking ahead to Patel’s next court appearance, scheduled for 1 October 2024 in the Newcastle District Court, Pastor Mothilal raised his suspicions that Patel did not act alone. He voiced his belief that Patel had an accomplice, stating that he suspected Patel’s girlfriend had been involved in the planning of the crime. “We are now praying for a guilty verdict and for a confession from Patel on what had happened,” said Pastor Mothilal.
Amid the ongoing legal battle, Pastor Mothilal reflected on the profound emotional toll the tragedy has taken on his family. “It is not easy losing a child, especially in this manner, but we cannot sit back and keep silent,” he said. His words conveyed the deep pain and determination of a father seeking justice for his son.
Throughout this ordeal, the Mothilal family has found solace in the unwavering support of the Newcastle community.
Pastor Mothilal extended heartfelt thanks to the community, expressing how their care and backing have provided strength during this difficult time. He also highlighted how the community’s assistance played a critical role in ensuring that Patel was denied bail.
As the Mothilal family prepares for the next phase of the court proceedings, with the trial set to resume on 1 October 2024, they remain resolute in their pursuit of justice.
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