Maseru, Aug.08 — A case in which Former Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Tlali Kamoli and four army members are accused of their alleged involvement in the bombings which occurred in 2014 has been scheduled to proceed on October 05 until November 08 2023.
The new hearing dates were set after two prosecution lawyers Advocates Shaun Abrahams and Motene Rafoneke withdrew from prosecuting the matter.
The applicants had in their application for withdrawal cited a relationship breakdown between them and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who gave them the briefs to prosecute the case. They indicated that the relationship has broken down with no prospects of restoration.
They stated that the DPP has been provided with the widest possible timeline to attend to legitimate concerns they raised which are relevant to the execution of their briefs as well as to retain the services of alternative lawyers to take over from them, but without any success. They insisted that they have taken the requisite measures to timeously provide notice to the DPP of their intention to withdraw as prosecution lawyers as early as May 21 2023.
The case was previously postponed after the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal in which Kamoli had appealed against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and others. He was in the matter challenging a decision of the High Court in which Justice Charles Hungwe, who is presiding over the case, refused to recuse himself.
He had argued that there is a danger of overlapping in the presentation of evidence to the extent that the judge will be biased.
Kamoli is charged in this matter together with Pisto Ramoepane, Litekanyo Nyakane Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Heqoa Malefane. The charges they are facing comprise attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The bombings occurred at the homes of Maesiah Thabane the then Liabiloe Ramoholi at Moshoeshoe II and Former Commissioner of Police Khothatso Tsooana at Ha-Abia in 2014.
The case is before Judge Charles Hungwe.
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