Maseru, Apr. 21 — The defence in a case in which two members of the army are charged with the murders of three men whose bodies were recovered from the Mohale Dam in 2017, has on Tuesday closed its case.
Although they had earlier indicated that they intend to lead evidence, the defence told the court on Tuesday that they have decided to drop that route and close the case.
It is expected that the case will be back in court on June 02, 2026 for hearing of closing arguments.
The accused in the matter, Lekhooa Moepi and Tieho Tikiso were initially charged together with 8 other army members, Rapele Mphaki, Pitso Ramoepana, Mahlehle Moeletsi, Mahlomola Makhoali Nthatakane Motanyane, Motsoane Machae, Liphapang Sefako and Nemase Faso who were in August 2025 acquitted following their application for discharge.
The application for discharge was moved pursuant to section 175 (3) of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act No. 9 of 1981. The accused argued that there was no evidence linking them to the offences charged.
In his judgment, the presiding judge Justice Moroke Mokhesi stated that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused. He pointed out that none of the state witnesses testified to witnessing any of the accused kill the deceased and dump their bodies into the Mohale Dam.
He added that the prosecution failed to call some of the people who were mentioned by some of the witnesses, to testify. He further added that some of the state witnesses contradict each other.
According to the charges, the accused acted in concert and in furtherance of a common purpose and kidnapped as well as strangled Lekhoele Noko, Khothatso Makibinyane and Molise Pakela to death during incidents that happened at Setibing in Maseru on May 16, 2017.
It is alleged that following the killing, they dumped their bodies into the Mohale Dam from which they were later retrieved.
The other charges against the accused include conspiracy to murder, unlawful detention and issuing superior orders to unlawful detention as well as to kill.
The defence is represented by Advocate Qhalehang LLetsika while the prosecution is represented by Adv. Motene Rafoneke.
Ends/SM/tl
