Maseru, Aug.15 — By imposing a lifetime imprisonment on a man found guilty of the murder of three women who believed they were his lovers, whom he lured to his place through social media, had sex with them and killed them afterwards, the High Court has demonstrated its displeasure on Gender Based Violence (GBV).
Lehlohonolo Masoleng of Braakfontein in Mohale’s Hoek was on Monday this week convicted of the murders of Matsepo Likotsi, Maletsema Foka and Kefuoe Moretlo/ Matokelo Mahlo.
When passing the sentence, a judge presiding over the matter Justice Tseliso Mokoko remarked that the judiciary must safeguard the rights of women particularly in situations involving intimate partners, whether they be husbands or lovers. He emphasised that to effectively fulfil this protective role, the courts must impose stringent penalties on perpetrators.
He indicated that such decisive actions serve not only to punish those who commit these acts, but also to send a clear and powerful message to society that GBV will not be tolerated. He pointed out that the court has acknowledged the public outcry regarding the alarming rate of senseless and merciless killings especially of women.
The judge stated that members of the public place their trust in the justice system to address these killings which he described as ‘reckless’.. He emphasised that it is the constitutional duty of the courts to protect women from men who exploit their vulnerability.
He expressed hope that this case will be an eye opener to women that they should exercise extreme care and caution when they communicate with strangers on social media platforms because that is where men target them. He added that it should also be a lesson that women should not visit strangers who claim to love them on social media as they put their lives in danger. . .
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