Maseru, Jan 21— Corporal Molise Molieleng who is currently on the stand as a second defence witness in the ongoing Mahao Murder Trial says his informant told him he was part of a conspiracy to commit mutiny in 2015.
He testified that the informant who was a member of the army whom he asked to withhold his name told him that there was conspiracy to kill Brigadier Mokaloba, Captain Hashatsi and the higher command of the army. He added that he said the plan was to ambush Brigadier Mokaloba’s vehicle near the military hospital as he went to his house within the Makoanyane Barracks.
The witness who is from the Special Forces Unit within the army and was a bodyguard to Brigadier Mokaloba further said the informant also added that there was going to be two teams so that if the first team fails to shoot at Mokaloba’s vehicle, there would be another group waiting at the village that will finish the job.
He indicated that while he was trying to find Lieutenant Hlehlisi and Captain Hashatsi, he met three of his colleagues and facilitated that the informant relate the same story in their presence.
The witness told the court that the four of them, excluding the informant who asked to be excused for fear that if he was to be seen with them he would be killed by the conspirators, decided to pass the information to their superiors.
He stated that they went to Captain Hashatsi’s house as they could not find him on his phone. He indicated that Hashatsi informed his superiors after which Major Lekhooa and Captain Sechele arrived.
The witness testified that he was asked to bring the informant to confirm the news as Major Lekhooa did not appear convinced about the information.
The accused in the matter who are nine members of the army including Retired Army Commander Lieutanant General Tlali are alleged to have shot and killed Maaparankoe Mahao at Ha Lekete in Mokema on June 25 2015.
They are also charged with attempted murder, theft and unlawful damage to property.
The case continues before Justice Charles Hungwe.
Ends/SM/BM
