Maseru — The High Court through Justice Mafelile Ralebese has on Monday heard evidence against Police Constable Kali ‘Matli who is charged with the murder of Hlaele Hlaele whom he allegedly shot and killed on April 18, 2021 at Ha ‘Majane Thoteng.
The two ladies who testified before court, Keketso Sehloho and Boitumelo Sebotsa who were friends, related to the court how the deceased met his death while they were from a road trip which they took a night after they could not find a convenient place in Maseru for the four of them for to have fun as some of the clubs which they went to were crowded.
Sebotsa who told the court that she was in an extra-marital affair with the deceased, testified that on their way back from Mafeteng, one of the stops they made which happened to be final, was when the vehicle they were travelling in, and belonging to the deceased ran out of fuel.
She stated that the deceased called for help and while waiting, the accused told the deceased to shoot at some birds that were playing in a nearby field, complaining that they were disturbing.
She told the court that after the deceased took out his firearm and shot into the fields through a window of the vehicle, the accused came up with a story that his wife and that of the deceased have just passed adding that they were going to Quthing.
She said he further added that they were in trouble because the wives saw them.
The witness also testified that after she and Sehloho went out of the vehicle, the accused asked her (the witness) if he should shoot her before the wife of the deceased came to shoot her.
She said he took out his gun and pointed it at her for a long time.
She indicated that she threw herself to the ground from a rural water supply tank on which she was standing in order to evade the gun which was cocked.
She indicated that the accused then pointed the gun to the other lady and when she cried in fear, the deceased approached and calmed her down.
She said the deceased then told the accused to stop threatening them (ladies) with the gun.
She further indicated that the accused asked the deceased if he was not scared of the gun then he said he was not.
The witness testified that shortly after that there was a gunshot and the deceased fell to the ground.
She added that the accused remarked that he did say that the gun is fatal.
She pointed out that the accused stood holding the firearm while she and her friend approached the deceased who was in a pool of blood.
She said he later approached and tried to assist the deceased.
The case continues.
Ends/SM
