Maseru, Aug. 31 — A fraud case against five men and a woman amounting to M316,200.00 which was on Tuesday postponed to today, resumed before the Magistrate Court.
The case could not continue on Tuesday as some of the accused did not have legal representation. The presiding magistrate had emphasised that the case would today proceed with or without legal representation for the accused.
The case proceeded with the charges against Lehlohonolo Selate, Rethabile Khatleli, Phanyaka Mohlatsane, Lehlohonolo Tsiu, Maboloka Matjoa and Lineo Mohale being read. They all pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
According to the charge sheet, in November 2017, the accused acting in common purpose contravened section 57 (1) (2) (a) read with 109 of Penal Code Act of 2010. It is alleged that they stole three blank cheques belonging to Maluti School of Nursing.
It is further alleged that they also contravened section 68 (1) read with 109 of Penal Code Act of 2010 in that they misrepresented to the Manager at Standard Lesotho Bank Pioneer Branch that the cheques amounting to M316,200.00 were drawn by Maluti Hospital to Fomosa Enterprise.
It is also alleged that the accused contravened section 26 (1) (a) (b) of Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act in that they opened an account at the Standard Lesotho Bank using false names and fraudulent documents.
The prosecution called its first witness Sello Rakojoane to testify in the matter.
The case is before Magistrate Thamae Thamae.
