Maseru, Aug. 12 — A case in which two politicians, Former Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) and some members of the army are among others charged with treason,has been postponed to September 21-24 2026 for continuation.
The case which was scheduled to proceed this week could not continue as planned because one of the accused, Mr. Mothetjoa Metsing is not available as he took an official trip to Zambia where he is one of the observers in general elections to take place in that country.
It is expected that the defence in the matter will continue with cross-examination of one of the state witnesses, Sergeant Mokete Litulo, a member of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) who testified about the events that took place at the PoliceHeadquarters in August 2014 during what the prosecution call ‘an attack’, while the defence call it ‘a lawful operation intended to disarm the police’.
The witness has, among others, stated that he was part of the police officers who were on duty that night when their colleague Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko was shot and killed. He added that they were subjected to questioning and torture by members of the army.
He also testified that following the incident which did not only cover the police Headquarters, but other police stations including Maseru Central Charge Office, Serious Crime Unit (SCU) Office at Pitso Ground and Ha Mabote, he discovered that several police officers hadfled to South Africa.
He indicated that he made the discovery when he got to Ladybrand after he too fled the country out of fear for his life.Mr. Metsing, the leader of Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), also Former Deputy Prime Minister, is in this case charged together with the leader of Movement for Economic Change (MEC) also current Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Mr. SelibeMochoboroane, Former Army Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoliand some army members Litekanyo Nyakane, Motloheloa Ntsane and Leutsoa Motsieloa.
They are facing various charges and their alternatives which include treason, murder, attempted murder, risk of injury or death and aggravated assault which they have pleaded not guilty to.
The charges which are against all the accused include murder of Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko and attempted murder of Letsekang Mothibeli together with its alternatives, aggravated assault against Sergent Mahanetse, Lance Sergeant Thabisa Kopa, Lance Sergeant Thamae, Police Constable Mokete Litulo and Police Constable Mone respectively.
The charges of treason, attempted murder of Police Constable Moeketsi and its alternatives (risk to injury or death and aggravated assault) together with assault of Sub-Inspector Joel are against Kamoli, Nyakane, Metsing and Mochoboroane only.
According to the charge sheet the alleged offences occurred on August 29-30 2014 and they were committed in furtherance of shared and common purpose by the accused together with the late Tefo Hashatsi and Bulane Sechele together with Tumo Lekhooa as well as persons unknown to theprosecution.
The defence is in this case represented by Advocates Motiea Teele (KC), Letuka Molati, Lepeli Molapo, Kabelo Letuka and Napo Mafaesa while the prosecution is represented by Advocates Motene Rafoneke and Rethabile Setlojoane.
The case is before Justice ‘Maliepollo Makhetha.
Ends/SM
