Maseru, Feb.05— The much-celebrated progress made with a backlog of criminal cases before the High Court continues to suffer a blow as some of the accused whose trials failed to proceed last year because they were at large, have not yet been found.
At least four murder cases that were on Thursday called before Justice Ts’eliso Mokoko had no accused before court. It was only in a case against Letlaburu Majoro and Kefuoe Mokhothu where one accused was present and his co-accused absent.
Mokhothu who was before court indicated that he has learned that his co-accused Majoro is in Cape Town South Africa adding that he has not been coming home.
In a case against Hlompho Boi, the court was informed by Investigating Officer Inspector Sefako that several efforts to find the accused have not been successful. He stated following up on information that the accused and his family originate from Tsatsane and have a home at Mount Moorosi where family events including funerals are held as Tsatsane is far, he went to the accused’s grandmother’s funeral in October last year. He said he was hoping that the accused who stays in South Africa would be there, but he was not.
The Investigating Officer also told the Court that on February 01st 2026 there was another burial of the accused’s brother who had died over a month ago. He stated that he went to the funeral aiming to arrest him. He pointed out that he had to disguise himself as he is well known to the accused and other people. He said while still there he learned that the accused has scammed several people including his relatives during sheep sales therefore he could not come home, he is avoiding them.
He however indicated that despite the failed attempts to get the accused, he plans to continue to search for him.
Another accused who is a fugitive of the law is Likhang Lekena and there was no report presented before court on him except that he is still at large.
In a case against Thabang Molibeli where there was no accused, no prosecutor and no defence lawyer and a lawyer from the Law Office who was before court on another matter had to step-in, it was revealed that despite a warrant of arrest being issued against the accused on August 25, 2025, the accused still did not show up.
Investigating Officer Sergeant Serabele was also not before court to give an update.
Initially, it was said the accused could not come to court as he did not receive a notice of trial and being employed in the mines in South Africa, his employer could not just release him without justification.
All the cases were postponed to August 03, 2026.
Ends/SM/BM
