Maseru, Dec. 12 — The High Court has sentenced to 30 years imprisonment, a man behind the murder of a traditional doctor who was accused of witchcraft, while his co-accused were each sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with the youngest only getting 15 years in jail.
The court found that Thokoane Maqelepo was a leader of a group of villagers from Sefikeng in Berea who attacked and killed Mokola Lebakeng in May 2020. There was evidence that he even promised to reward them after they had killed the deceased.
A judge presiding over the matter Justice Ts’eliso Mokoko stated that Maqelepo has to be sentenced differently from the accused as he played a leading role in the commission of the offence. He however said the other accused who was only 15 years old when the offence was committed deserves a second chance.
He pointed out that the young accused just found himself among a group of adults who easily influenced him as he was immature. He indicated that he still has a chance to be rehabilitated.
The judge remarked that the attack on the deceased was well planned and executed adding that pursuing the deceased after he ran out of a house in which he was attacked with stones which were being thrown inside, is an indicator that the accused were determined to carry out their mission.
He stated that the deceased who was unarmed was mercilessly attacked by the accused who were armed with sticks and stones adding that they brutally set him alight after the attack. He said they therefore deserve a harsh sentence.
Justice Mokoko raised a concern about mob justice which he said is a problem in Lesotho. He pointed out that if it is not addressed, it will lead to chaos and people will continue to resort to self-help.
The court ruled that extenuating circumstances exist in the matter as the accused have a rural background, still practice tradition and customs,are not educated and are still youths.
At least 15 men were implicated and charged in this case, however some were discharged leaving only six to answer the charges.
The remaining accused were also sentenced to two years each for unlawful damage to property.
Ends/SM/tl
