Maseru, Mar. 10 — The defence in a murder trial against some members of the army who are accused of killing Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao has accused Mamathibela Ntsasa, a witness testifying in the matter, of deviating from what she said in her statement before the police.
She was during cross-examination accused of saying things in her evidence before court which she did not say in her statement. She was among others told by one of the defense lawyers Advocate Silas Ratau that her narration of gun shots she heard might be incorrect due to the shock she suffered.
The witness who is a resident of Ha Lekete has informed the court that on June 25, 2015 while at her home gardening, she saw a mini-truck at the Mokema Road followed by three white 4×4 vans which were driving at close range. She said the vans left about a pace and half between each other adding that it was only a pace between the first one and the truck they were following.
She stated that the van which was leading the others overtook the truck and stood in front of it while the one behind it went to the right side of the same truck. She added that the other one remained behind the truck. She indicated that she heard three gun shots after which she fell on the ground. She added that when she got up, she realised that other vehicles have left, leaving behind the truck and one of the vans.
The witness testified that she was scared to rise standing upright therefore she left that place rolling and crawling. She stated that she saw people at the scene and got more scared. She said she moved to a toilet nearby where she lay down for safety.
She indicated that she still did not feel safe and jumped over a fence to her neighbour’s house where she fell again upon arrival. She pointed out that when she came to her normal self she was receiving assistance. She stated that she could no longer see the scene as there were trees blocking her view.
At least nine members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) including Former Army Commander Tlali Kamoli stand accused of the murder and several other offences in the matter.
It is alleged that the deceased in the matter was shot and killed on June 25 2015 at Ha Lekete in Mokema.
