Maseru, Aug.08— Sootho Liphoto, accused number two in a case relating to the death of Ralikonelo Joki (Leqhashasha), Mothibe Mothibe and Thomello Ntsane has today told the court how the police tortured him.
He stated that while in the interrogation room, the police asked him who was responsible for the death of the deceased and he told them he did not know. He indicated that they then started assaulting him using a stick adding that Policewoman Masenkane even sat on him. He further added that while the torture continued, Police Officer Kubutu instructed Policewoman Masenkane to get off him indicating that she would kill him.
The accused in his evidence further told the court that later when he was with his now co-accused Mothusi Tlelase and Kamo Phakoe. They told him that they too were tortured by the police during questioning. He added that he told them that they forced him to implicate himself into the murder. He pointed out that Tlelase encouraged him to comply with the police instructions and implicate himself for the sake of his life. He said he consented, although it was difficult…MK/BM
