Maseru, Nov.13–Brigadier Rapele Mphaki and Lance Corporal Maribe Nathane, some of the accused charged with attempted murder of Former Editor of the Lesotho Times and Sunday Express newspapers, Lloyd Mutungamiri, have approached the High Court seeking that they be released on bail pending finalisation of the trial against them before the Magistrate Court.
Both the petitioners argue that the uncertainty caused after a magistrate presiding over the case Senior Resident Magistrate Peter Murenzi was suspended and the case has not been proceeding, is prejudicial to them. They further argue that they have been in jail for eight years as they were arrested in 2017 adding that they do not have a reason to abscond if they are granted bail.
The prosecution on the other hand argue that the petitioners are a flight risk. They add that their release on bail will prejudice the ends of justice. They further add that attempted murder is a serious offence therefore they might abscond if granted bail.
Reports show that Senior Resident Magistrate Murenzi was suspended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) following allegations of misconduct and it directed that the files which were before him be locked, as a result, cases such as this one which were before him, have not been proceeding…
SM/BM
