The Mommy Club star Ratile Mabitsela’s estranged husband and father of her children, Elias Lehlohonolo Mabitsela has passed away.
The news was confirmed by the Mabitsela family in a statement shared on social media platforms.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother and son, Elias Lehlohonolo Mothapo Mabitsela.” The family said that they are still coming to terms with their loss, and asked for space and privacy during this difficult time.
The unofficial reports on the social media platforms allege that Elias has taken his own life. However, the cause of death has not been disclosed by the family nor by his wife, Ratile.
‼️The Update‼️
It is with sad greatness to hear of the passing of Ratile Mabitsela’s husband Lehlogonolo Mothapo Mabitsela
???️?️ pic.twitter.com/ly9bZoHT6K
— Nozipho M (@nozipho_mashaba) February 12, 2025
This unfortunate loss happened while Ratile and Elias were going through a divorce after a fair share of marriage squabbles that included alleged abuse, which Elias later denied in his interview with a popular local blog, Maphephandaba. Speaking to them he said: “I do not like engaging especially with social media but this is untrue and there is no divorce taking place. We’d appreciate space to mourn during this difficult time.”
The blog also shared communication that Elias had sent out to a person called Maltji which reads.
“I would like to categorically state that I have never made any contact with you or the media regarding allegations on my wife’s personal matters. I need you to please prove any information from me as per your communication with my wife. The allegations mentioned in your inquiry are unfounded and do not reflect the truth. I kindly request for responsible and accurate reporting.”
X (formerly Twitter) users were fuming with anger upon reading the statement from the Mabitsela’s, with some saying that her in-laws have cut her and their children out by not including ‘husband and father’ on their statement. With some hoping that the divorce has not been finalised.
Ratile’s husband committed suicide and now the family issued a statement and didn’t mention that he was a beloved husband and only a son and a brother??
In laws are messy.
Idc whether they were in the process of divorcing.
— Oyster (@Afrikan__queen) February 12, 2025
Ratile deserves the biggest hug rn. Because she obviously still loved him man. She was probably still grieving her divorce now she has to grieve her ex husband who is always the father of her kids. I wonder what’s going through her mind rn ?
— CELINE (@celineshabalala) February 12, 2025
Also see: Ratile Mabitsela’s husband clarifies divorce and abuse rumours
