Maseru, Dec.10 — Advocate Letuka Molati, one of the defence lawyers in a case in which former commander of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli and four army members are accused of the bombings that occurred at Moshoeshoe II and Ha Abia in 2014, says his client Kamoli will tell the court that the LDF Multi Grenade Launcher (MGL) was not used during the alleged attacks.
This he said during cross-examination of Lieutenant Colonel Tau Tau from the office of ordnance within the army.
He stated that in 2012 there was intelligence that Jessie Ramakatane was posing a security threat to the country with military grade weaponry, adding that a decision had to be taken to counter that threat.
He pointed out that Kamoli will tell the court that it is true that there was a request of the MGL in 2012, but it was needed for use against the security threat, adding that it was never authorised to attack civilians.
Adv. Molati pointed out that there are over 60 armies worldwide adding that more than 2,000 rounds of 40 millimetres High Explosives spread within the militaries in the world. He said these weapons sometimes fall in the wrong hands because illegal sale of weapons is lucrative.
During further cross-examination by another defence lawyer Adv. Napo Mafaesa, the witness stated that it is not in every situation that the office of ordnance is informed where ammunition is going to be used. He added that not all units within the army file monthly arms strength returns.
Kamoli is in this case charged together with Pitso Ramoepane, Litekanyo Nyakane, Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Heqoa Malefane. The charges they are facing comprise attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The alleged offences occurred at the home of Liabiloe Ramoholi (Maesiah Thabane) at Moshoeshoe II and that of Former Commissioner of Police ( COMPOL) Khothatso Tsooana at Ha Abia.
The case is before Justice Charles Hungwe.
Ends/SM/tl
