Maseru—- Motheane George, a first state witness in a case in which Teboho Ts’olo is charged with the murder of Panyane Phiri,Former Third Vice-President of Bantu FC, has testified that several efforts by members of an association to which he together with the accused and the deceased belonged, to reconcile the accused and the deceased failed.
He stated that the sour relations between the deceased and the accused dates back to when they used to make funny jokes about clothes which the accused did not like. He indicated that the matter spiraled until members of the association felt it was out of control and decided to hold a meeting intended to resolve the dispute between the accused and the deceased but ended up deadly.
A legal representative for the accused Advocate Maleke Khampepe has told the Court that his client acted in self-defence and lawfully when he shot and killed the deceased. He pointed out that section 20 (1) of Penal Code Act provides that, ‘no person shall be criminally responsible for the use of force in repelling an unlawful attack’.
He indicated that a tension between the accused and the deceased, who were friends, began after a shooting at one of the entertainment facilities in Maseru where there was a shooting on February 10 2023.
The Prosecution through Adv. ‘Mametse Mapesela stated that evidence will show that the accused intentionally shot and killed the deceased.
The accused is facing three charges comprising murder, unlawful damage to property and threats. It is alleged that he shot and killed Phiri during an incident which occured at Lithabaneng on August 06 2024. It is further alleged that he shot at a vehicle belonging to Thabang Mafojane and communicated threats to Mafojane as well as pointed a gun at him.
He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.
The case is before Justice ‘Mafelile Ralebese.
Ends/SM
