Maseru, Mar. 03 — A Forensic Pathologist from the Ministry of Police Dr. Lefatle Phakoana has on Tuesday told the High Court that Liteboho Sekokotoana (8 years) who was in April 2025 allegedly killed by his family’s domestic worker and her boyfriend, died due to suffocation.
In his evidence, the witness stated that when he examined the body of the deceased he saw bruises on the face and neck. He indicated that he was told by the police that the deceased was found dead with sell-o-tape wrapped all over his body.
When asked by one of the defence lawyers during cross-examination if death on the deceased was caused by the tape he would say it was intentional or accidental, the witness answered that it is not possible for one to cause smothering on themselves. He pointed out that smothering occurs when both the mouth are blocked in order to deprive air from entering adding that there is a possibility that it can occur by accident.
Dr. Phakoana confirmed that he has ruled out strangulation as the cause of death for the deceased in this matter.
He indicated that the bruises on the deceased could have been caused by someone or the application of the tape or the deceased when trying to free himself. He however said he cannot say with certainty what caused the bruises.
He was told by the defence that the accused only covered the deceased’s mouth with the tape so that he could not shout for help after they had asked him about pins to bank cards. He was further told that they also tied his hands and feet as well as put him in the bedroom adding that they were intoxicated as they were taking alcohol.
Prior to the evidence of the Pathologist the court had admitted several statements as part of the evidence and among them were those of the deceased’s parents Lillo Sekokotoana and Malithakong Molupe.
The prosecution closed its case at the end of the evidence of the Pathologist. Other witnesses who testified were a neighbour Mr. Mothibenyane Letsosa and the brother of the deceased Lereko Sekokotoana who was 15 years old when his younger brother was killed.
Evidence before court has revealed that Mots’elisi Maoeng who was employed as a domestic worker at the Sekokotoana’s home in Ha Leqele in Maseru together with her boyfriend John Lefoka also stole properties comprising clothes, groceries, a phone and kitchen utensils from the Sekokotoana’s home amounting to M300, 000.00.
Maoeng was reportedly arrested and handed over to the Lithabaneng Police by her brother who is a member of the army while his co accused was handed over to the police by members of the public.
The case is before Justice Ts’eliso Mokoko.
Ends/SM/ml
