Maseru, Dec. 03– The High Court through Justice Tséliso Mokoko has on Wednesday concluded that the accused charged with the murder of Ralikonelo Joki, popularly known as ‘Leqhashasha’ as well as that of Mothibe Mothibe and Thomello Ntsane, had a plan to commit the offences adding that they acted in furtherance of common purpose to execute them.
Moabi Sesioana, Mothusi Tlelase, Sootho Liphoto and Kamo Phakoe were accused of killing ‘Leqhashasha’ during a shooting that occurred at Lower Thamae on May 14, 2023. They were further accused of killing Mothibe Mothibe together with Ntsane who was in his company at Mokema on May 20, 2023.
They were also charged with possession of unlicensed firearms as well as use of violence to steal a firearm belonging to Mothibe.
Today the court ruled that the prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offences charged.
It accordingly found Tlelase, Liphoto and Phakoe guilty of the murder of Joki while it acquitted Sesioana on that charge. It further found Tlelase, Liphoto and Sesioana guilty of the murders of Mothibe and Ntsane while it acquited Phakoe on those charges.
The court convicted Tlelase, Liphoto and Sesioana on the theft of the firearm belonging to Mothibe while it acquitted Phakoe. It also convicted Tlelase and Liphoto of illegal possession of firearms while it acquitted Sesioana and Phakoe.
All the accused had in their evidence denied involvement in the offences charged. Others implicated some of the state witnesses. They claimed that the police tortured and influenced them into admitting involvement in offences.
Among the key state witnesses who testified in this matter was Teboho Kumi. In his evidence, he told the court that he transported the accused to the place where they killed Joki. He added that he also transported them when they were going to kill Mothibe who happened to be in the company of Ntsane.
Another key witness was Sekhobe Maama who testified as an accomplice witness. He informed the court that he was present when the death of Mothibe was planned and executed. The court in today’s judgment ruled that he is a credible witness.
After delivering the judgment, the court raised a concern about exhibits in the form of firearms that end up in the hands of criminals after the courts have ordered that they be destroyed. The Judge presiding in this matter insisted that he wants to witness destruction of the exhibits in the current case as well as the others before him.
Sentencing in this case has been scheduled for December 11, 2025.
Ends/SM/BM
