Maseru, Jan. 20 — Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, one of the accused charged with the murder of Maaparankoe Mahao says the army command was in 2015 convinced that there was a mutiny plot.
This he said during his cross-examination by the prosecution as he continues to testify while the defence goes on to present its case after a failed application for discharge.
A prosecutor who was cross-examining the witness Advocate Lehlohonolo Phooko put it to him that the issue of mutiny never existed. He added that the current Army Commander Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela even dismissed the case of mutiny as he was President of the Court Martial because there was no mutiny.
The witness indicated that to prove that a mutiny plot existed, Lieutenant General Letsoela who was at that time Commander Airwing, assisted the arresting team with helicopters to go to Mokhotlong to fetch suspects. He added that he even became the President of the Court Martial because there was mutiny and suspects were arrested.
He indicated that one of the state witnesses, Major General Lineo Poopa confirmed through his evidence that the army command was convinced that there was a mutiny plot.
The accused in the matter who include Retired Army Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli are alleged to have shot and killed Mahao on June 25 2015 during an incident that occured at Ha Lekete in Mokema.
They are also facing two counts of attempted murder, theft and unlawful damage to property.
The case is before Justice Charles Hungwe.
Ends/SM/tl
