Maseru, Aug.02—A case in which some army members are accused of attempted murder of Former Editor of the Lesotho Times and Sunday Express newspapers Lloyd Mutungamiri which has been characterised by several delays in the past, continues to move further away from its finalisation.
The case which was last month postponed to today due to malfunctioning of a recording machine and the defence demanded electronic recording of the proceedings, was today further postponed to August 11 2023 for set down.
A magistrate presiding over the matter Senior Resident Magistrate Peter Murenzi stated that upon inquiry on progress made on restoration of the recording system within the judiciary which has been affected by a virus which attacked the government’s server, he was told that a consultant is available and working on the issue.
The case was last year delayed when the defence challenged taking of the stand by an accomplice witness Mahanyane Phusumane. They moved an application seeking a referral to the High Court in terms of section 22 (3) of the Constitution. The application was however dismissed and Phusumane took the stand last month. It was while he was testifying that one of the defence lawyers realised that the proceedings were not electronically recorded.
The Court has in this matter already heard evidence from the complainant/victim (Mutungamiri). He has in his evidence related how he was attacked and injured as well as how the injuries have affected his health and life in general.
Rapele Mphaki, Khutlang Mochesane, Nyatso Tsoeunyane and Maribe Nathane are charged with contravention of section 22(1) read with 109 of Penal Code Act No.6 of 2010.
It is alleged that on July 09 2016 at or near Ha Thamae in Maseru, acting in concert or common purpose, they shot Mutungamiri and inflicted serious injuries on him.
Ends
