MASERU, Aug. 20 — Mosito Ratefane (46) of Lepereng in Maseru district has been denied bail after appearing before Maseru Magistrate Court on a charge of malicious damage to a household constructed for his family by the Disaster Management Authority (DMA).
According to the charge sheet, Ratefane unlawfully and intentionally damaged the family house belonging to ‘Maatisang Ratefane on August 18 2026, allegedly using a spear and a hammer to damage the ceiling and walls.
The prosecution told the court that the accused had been living in South Africa for five years, leaving his wife and children vulnerable.
The court denied him bail on the grounds that he is considered a danger to the community and is likely to abscond.
The accused will appear in court on September 01 2026.
Meanwhile, speaking to the Agency, Area Chief of Lepereng in Maseru, Chief Moleko Mosoloane, said he is satisfied with the court’s decision to deny Ratefane bail.
Chief Mosoloane described the accused as a dangerous person whom villagers dislike, saying the community feels safer with him in custody.
He further said there were concerns that granting the accused bail could result in violence, including the possibility of villagers harming him or him harming someone in the community.
Ends/MAMAJ
