Maseru — The prosecution in a case in which nine members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) including Retired Army Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, are charged with the murder of their colleague Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao, has on Wednesday commenced cross-examination of Corporal Marasi ‘Moleli who is one of the accused and currently on the stand as one of the defence witnesses.
Advocate Lehlohonolo Phooko, for the prosecution, told the witness that following the death of Mahao in 2015 he together with some of his co-accused were promoted but no internal processes or disciplinary action was taken against them by the then army commander who is also an accused in this case.
The issue of promotion of the accused after the death of the deceased was previously discussed when the witness was being questioned by one of the defence lawyers Adv. Qhalehang Letsika who stated that the prosecution alleges that the promotions were compensation for the death of Mahao.
The witness denied the allegation and indicated that the promotions covered over 530 members of the army ranging from senior and junior officers as well as other ranks in the army.
He added that it was not the first time he was promoted since he joined the army in 2002 further adding that promotions are at the discretion of the army commander.
In his evidence in chief, the witness told the Court that he and Private Mokete Halahala were on June 25 2015 tasked with surveillance on Mahao adding that they reported to the late Captain Tefo Hashatsi who was a leader of an operation to arrest the deceased.
The defence has since January 2026 been presenting its case before the Court following their unsuccessful application for discharge.
Among the defence witnesses who have already testified are the accused Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, Captain Haleeo Makara who admitted that he shot Mahao and Sergeant Lekhooa Moepi as well as the late Corporal Molise Molieleng and Retired Major ‘Mamatela Hokinyana who worked at the Makoanyane Military Hospital in 2015 and was one of the medical staff which attended to the deceased before he was pronounced dead.
Another defence witness who testified in the matter is Retired Colonel bTumo Lekhooa, former Director-General of the National Security Service (NSS),also former head of Military Intelligence within the LDF.
This witness was initially charged together with the accused in this matter as well as in a treason matter pending before the High Court.
He however fled the country in 2017 and could not stand trial together with his co-accused in both matters. He came back to Lesotho in 2025, was arrested, charged and granted bail.
The accused are alleged to have intentionally shot and killed 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 is before Justice Charles Hungwe.
Ends/SM
