Maseru, Nov.03 — Police Constable Lillo Pitiri who was on Thursday convicted of murder by the High Court, was on Friday sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by the same court.
Police Constable Pitiri was found guilty of shooting and killing Lipakuoele Lehlosi in 2017 at Quthing while they were at a public bar. Evidence indicated that he was mishandling a state gun which was in his possession and failed to take heed to reprimands about his conduct.
In passing the sentence, the presiding judge Justice Tseliso Mokoko stated that murder is a capital offence which attracts capital punishment which is however no longer a deterrent in this country. He pointed out that the court believes in the sanctity of life. He indicated that it should promote the rule of law and restore the confidence of the public into the courts which has been eroded overtime. He emphasised that the court should pass a deterrent sentence. . .
