Maseru, Feb. 09 — Justice Charles Hungwe who is presiding over a case in which four police officers are charged with the murder of their colleague Police Constable Mokalekale Khetheng, has on Monday condemned defence lawyers for coming to court late.
The court had to wait for the arrival of the defence lawyers as only the prosecutor was before court before the case could resume.
“The conduct reflects negatively on the lawyers. I do not know what lawyers in this country think of their courts,” said the presiding judge.
He stated that the case has been dragging on for years, adding that there has never been a time when the proceedings began on time.
Justice Hungwe pointed out that accused persons are languishing in jail adding that there are people who want to see this matter finalised yet the lawyers who should be assisting the court are the ones dragging their feet.
“It is a pity that you contribute to the frustrations the public has with the courts. You would think that lawyers are keen to have this matter finalised, but no,” said the judge.
The matter is today proceeding with the defence continuing to present its case and Retired Inspector Mothibeli Mofolo is on the stand.
The defence began to present its case after their application for discharge which they had moved in terms of Section 175 (3) of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act 1981 was dismissed by the court.
The court has in this matter already held a trial within trial in order to establish the admissibility of the evidence by Inspector Rapelang Nkeane which was in 2023 interrupted by an objection from the defence. He had testified that the accused pointed out a spot where the body of the deceased was dumped.
The defence argued that the pointing out was not free and voluntary and thus challenged the admissibility of the evidence.
The court ruled in favour of the defence, indicating that the evidence was not admissible. It however also ruled that what the accused did while in police custody can be included in the evidence.
Mofolo is charged together with Retired Superintendent Thabo Ts’ukulu, Senior Inspector Mabitle Matona and Sub-Inspector Haleokoe Taasoana.
The accused were initially charged together with Former Commissioner of Police Molahlehi Letsoepa who reportedly fled the country. He however came back in 2025 and is currently out on bail.
The accused were also charged together with the current Minister of Labour and Employment Tseliso Mokhosi who however got the charges against him later dropped.
It is alleged that Khetheng met his death in March 2016 following his arrest by the Hlotse Police. The defence insisted that he disappeared from the police when he was to meet his superiors.
Ends/SM/tl
