Five months have passed since the heartbreaking and senseless murder of Jonah Mothilal, leaving his family to confront the unimaginable pain of preparing for their first Christmas without him. The festive season, a time once filled with joy and togetherness, now carries an overwhelming sense of loss for the Mothilal family. Despite the emotional toll, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice for Jonah, ensuring his memory is honoured and that those responsible are held accountable.
As Newcastillians will recall, Jonah was reported missing at the start of July 2024.
His disappearance sparked widespread concern as his family, friends, and law enforcement joined forces in a desperate search for him. Jonah had left Newcastle with his best friend, Mohamed Patel, on what was meant to be a routine trip to purchase a new car. Tragically, the search for Jonah ended in devastation when his body was discovered, bearing a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head.
The anguish surrounding Jonah’s death deepened when Patel was arrested shortly afterwards. It was revealed that Patel had lied to the police about the events surrounding Jonah’s disappearance and murder. To make matters worse, law enforcement discovered nearly R300,000 buried in Patel’s yard, creating further questions.
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Reflecting on the legal proceedings, Jonah’s father, Pastor Sam Mothilal, spoke about the slow but steady progress towards justice.
“Patel has still not received bail, and he remains behind bars at this point in time, with the court proceedings set to continue next week on 12 December. At this point of time, investigations into the murder are nearly complete, with the police finalising their final leads,” Pastor Mothilal explained. He went on to highlight that investigators are focusing on Patel’s connections, including his girlfriend and other potential accomplices.
“Patel did not work alone, and the police are now hot on the tracks of these accomplices. However, anyone with information on anyone who assisted Patel is urged to step forward with the relevant information,” emphasised Pastor Mothilal. He also pointed out that Jonah’s wallet and cellphone remain missing and expressed hope that these critical pieces of evidence would soon be recovered. According to him, finding these items could play a key role in ensuring everyone involved in Jonah’s murder is brought to justice.
Although certain aspects of the case remain unresolved at this point of time, Pastor Mothilal stated that the State’s case against Patel is strong. He stressed that investigators have even gone to the extent of scrutinising Patel’s phone records to determine who he contacted before and after Jonah’s murder.
The case is scheduled to continue Thursday, 12 December 2024, when the final trial date is expected to be announced.
However, Pastor Mothilal revealed that the trial is likely to begin in the new year. He also mentioned that the High Court has been approached to review Patel’s bail denial. Furthermore, Pastor Mothilal expressed hope that the court would deliver its decision on the same day. Based on the evidence gathered so far, he is confident that Patel will remain behind bars.
As the holiday season draws nearer, the Mothilal family is left to navigate the emotional challenges of celebrating this special time without Jonah. Pastor Mothilal shared the deep sorrow that his family continues to endure. “Life is uncertain at the best of times, but as a Christian family, we believe Jonah has gone to a better place and that he is now with God,” he said.
Despite their immense grief, the family remains committed to seeking justice. Pastor Mothilal expressed his gratitude for the relentless efforts of law enforcement in pursuing Jonah’s case. He praised the police for their unwavering determination to identify Patel’s accomplices and uncover the remaining evidence needed to secure a conviction.
As the legal process unfolds, the Mothilal family is buoyed by the unwavering support of their community. Pastor Mothilal extended his heartfelt thanks to all those who have stood by them during this profoundly difficult time. Their kindness and encouragement have been a source of comfort and strength for the family as they continue to fight for justice in Jonah’s name.
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Comments 2
Glad to see that patel is still behind bars. As a fellow muslim i am asahmed. He must face the full might of the law should he be found guilty. Sadly people out there are wishing for him to be released. Its because their own loved one was not murdered so they donot know the feeling of it
I’m so disheartened to read about JONAHS DEATH BY THE HANDS OF A CALLOUS MURDERER PATEL. I MUST CONGRATULATE THE NEWCASTLE POLICE FOR ARRESTING PATEL . TO PASTOR MOTHILALL N FAMILY MY CONDOLENCES TO U N YOUR FAMILY MY PRAYER THE LORD GOD THE CREATOR OF THE HEAVENS N EARTH WILL STRENGTHEN N COMFORT YOU ALL BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. WE KNOW JONAH IS HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD. GOD BLESS U FROM PASTOR MARK RAMLUCKEN . GOT U NYOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYER. WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY THOUHTS N PRAYER.