Maseru, Apr. 28 — The High Court through Justice Charles Hungwe will on May 11, 2026 hear arguments on an application for discharge in a case in which Former Army Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli and four army members are accused of bombings that occurred in 2014.
The application for discharge which is moved pursuant to section 175 (3) of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act came after the prosecution closed its case in this matter.
The section provides, ‘If at the close of the case for the prosecution, the court considers that there is no evidence that the accused committed the offence charged in the charge, or any other offence of which he might be convicted thereon, the court may return a verdict of not guilty.’
The prosecution closed its case after leading its last witness, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mr. Sera Makharilele who took the stand after ‘Maesiah Thabane who is one of the complainants in the matter, as her home was among those that were allegedly attacked.
In his evidence, Mr. Makharilele, among others testified about the sour relations between the army and the police. He indicated that there was no cooperation from the army commander when the police wanted to have access to army members suspected in criminal offences.
He also testified that there were other army members who were implicated in the alleged bombings who were however not charged, adding that some of them testified as state witnesses.
Among such army members, he mentioned Lieutenant Hlehlisi and Warrant Officer Mpolokeng Moleleki whom he said investigations classified them as complicit to the bombings incident. He indicated that they however testified as ordinary state witnesses, not accomplice witnesses.
Former Army Commander is in this case charged together with Pitso Ramoepana, Litekanyo Nyakane, Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Heqoa Malefane. The charges they are facing comprise attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The alleged offences occurred at the homes of Liabiloe Ramoholi now ‘Maesiah Thabane at Moshoeshoe IIand that of Former Commissioner of Police Khothatso Ts’ooana at Ha Abia.
The defence team is made up of Advocates Karabo Mohau (KC), Kabelo Letuka, Letuka Molati, Napo Mafaesa and Rasekoai Thoahlane while that of the prosecution comprises Advocates Rethabile Setlojoane and Motene Rafoneke.
Ends/SM/tl
