Maseru, Dec. 04— A prosecutor in a case in which four men are charged with the murder of Ralikonelo Joki, popularly known as ‘Leqhashasha’ as well as that of Mothibe Mothibe and Thomello Ntsane, has on Thursday asked the court to impose capital punishment on the accused or life sentence.
When addressing the court following conviction of the accused, Advocate Christopher Lephuthing stated that statistics of killings of innocent people have escalated adding that Lesotho is ranked number two in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region with a high murder rate.
He indicated that the accused deserve to be totally removed from society. He emphasised that the society needs protection from people such as the accused. He said the accused have proved that they are not susceptible to rehabilitation. He added that there has never been any indication of remorse from the accused further adding that they need to be dealt with accordingly.
Adv. Lephuthing pointed out that the society looks up to the court to find a solution to brutal murders. He indicated that he accepts that the court should avoid being emotional and relying on public opinion during sentencing or using the sentence as retaliation or revenge. He emphasised that the families of the deceased who were deprived of their loved ones and breadwinners must see justice being done, not talked about.
A defence lawyer in this matter Adv. Lepeli Molapo begged the court not to be harsh on the accused. He indicated that capital punishment will not be appropriate for the accused. He pointed out that a sentence should not be one that condemns, but one that deters and rehabilitates.
He pointed out that 25 years is the highest sentence adding that it is however equivalent to life imprisonment. He therefore suggested that an appropriate sentence for the accused would be one that is below 25 years.
Adv. Molapo said they were not on their sober mind when they committed the offences as they were engaged in a drinking spree therefore that serves as extenuation. He stated that there is a chance that they can be rehabilitated, considering their age adding that they can become outstanding citizens when they go back to the community after serving their sentences.
Mothusi Tlelase, Sootho Liphoto and Kamo Phakoe were on Wednesday found guilty of the murder of Joki who was gunned down on May 14 2023 at Lower Thamae, while Moabi Sesioana was acquitted on the same charge. Meanwhile Tlelase, Liphoto and Sesioana were found guilty of the murders of Mothibe and Ntsane who were shot on May 20 2023 at Mokema while Kamo Phakoe was acquitted.
Tlelase, Liphoto and Sesioana were convicted on the theft of the firearm belonging to Mothibe while Phakoe. was acquitted. Tlelase and Liphoto were found guilty of illegal possession of firearms while iSesioana and Phakoe were acquitted.
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 court is expected to pass sentence on December 11 2025 and it made a directive that the three firearms which are exhibits in this case should be before court on that day before a disposal order is made.
Ends/SM/BM
