Maseru, Dec. 04— Mothusi Tlelase, Sootho Liphoto, Moabi Sesioana and Kamo Phakoe who were on Wednesday last week, found guilty of the murder of Ralikonelo Joki, popularly known as ‘Leqhashasha’ as well as that of Mothibe Mothibe and Thomello Ntsane, are set to spend the remaining years of their lives in prison after the court sentenced each of them to life imprisonment on Wednesday.
Tlelase, Liphoto and Phakoe who were convicted of the murder of Joki were each sentenced to life imprisonment. Tlelase and Liphoto, together with Sesioana who were found guilty on the murder of Mothibe and Ntsane were sentenced to life imprisonment on each count. They were further, each sentenced to 18 years in jail for robbery as they have been found guilty of robbing Mothibe of his properties including a firearm after they had shot him.
Meanwhile, Tlelase and Liphoto who were also found guilty of illegal possession of firearm were each sentenced to a year in jail for that offence. The court however directed that all the sentences run concurrently.
When passing the sentence, a judge presiding over the matter Justice Ts’eliso Mokoko remarked that courts are constitutionally mandated to uphold human life. He stated that Lesotho is plagued by senseless and reckless killings adding that the society looks up to the courts for protection. He indicated that the courts have the responsibility to restore the confidence of the public in the justice system. He added that they must send a strong message to possible offenders further adding that the offenders should know that murder will be met with seriousness and that the law will take its course.
He further remarked that during the trial, the accused did not show any remorse. He pointed out that the reckless and brutal manner in which they committed the murders reflect their disregard for life. He said they were on a killing spree as, in six days, they had committed three gruesome killings, taking away innocent lives. He emphasised that the murders were premeditated and well executed adding that the deceased sustained several wounds on delicate parts of their bodies indicating that the killers wanted to make sure that they were dead.
In line with section 296 of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act which compels the court to determine existence of extenuating circumstances when dealing with murder, the court concluded that the extenuating circumstances exist in this case. It stated that the accused had been drinking intoxicating beverages during the commission of the offences adding that they have a rural background. It added that they still practise customs and culture.
Prior to the sentencing, the prosecution had asked the court to impose capital punishment or life imprisonment on the accused adding that they are not susceptible to rehabilitation. On the other hand, the defence lawyer begged the court not to be harsh on the accused adding that capital punishment will not be appropriate for them. He pointed out that a sentence should not be one that condemns, but one that deters and rehabilitates. He suggested that an appropriate sentence would be one below 25 years.
Joki was gunned down on May 14 2023 at Lower Thamae, while Mothibe and Ntsane were shot on May 20 2023 at Mokema.
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.
The prosecution was represented by Advocate Christopher Lephuthing while the defence was represented by Adv. Lepeli Molapo.
Ends/SM/BM
