- They also face charges of staying in the country illegally
Relebohile Makhetha
The escalating substance abuse problem in the country reached a new chapter this week when seven Indian nationals appeared before Chief Magistrate ‘Matankiso Nthunya at the Maseru Magistrate’s Court.
The accused – Vinod Makashi (35), Tejinder Singh (25), Brajesh Yadav, Anuj Sharma (20), Banty (28), Mohit (23), and Ramandeep Singh (34) – who all reside at Katlehong in Maseru, were released on M500 bail each after being charged with unlawful and intentional possession of dagga.
The group was apprehended with a total of 21 packets (“bankies”) of dagga, one sachet, and four dagga joints, prompting serious charges under section 91(2) read with section 109 of the Penal Code Act No. 6 of 2010.
As the country struggles with an emerging drug crisis that threatens the health and future of its younger population, this case highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat substance abuse.
In addition to the drug-related charges, some of the accused face allegations regarding their immigration status.
Makashi, Tejinder Singh, Yadav, Sharma, Banty, and Mohit were also charged under section 7(5) read with section 33(2) of the Aliens Control Act for unlawfully remaining in Lesotho with expired residential documents.
They were granted free bail for these charges.
Ramandeep Singh faces separate charges for allegedly residing in Lesotho without a valid passport, also granted free bail under section 5(2)(c) and (3) of the Aliens Control Act.
The follow-up court hearing is scheduled for October 22, when the legal repercussions will be examined further.
Meanwhile, Lefela Maroi (46) from Thoteng, Mohale’s Hoek, and Tšepo Makama (46) from Mapeseleng Ha Abia, both employees of ML Trading in Ha Hoohlo, Maseru, were granted M2,000 bail each by the Maseru Magistrate’s Court on October 3.
They are facing charges of theft and perjury.
According to police reports, the two men allegedly staged a robbery, with Maroi, the driver, falsely claiming he had been hijacked at gunpoint by three men, who reportedly stole over M55,000 in cash, along with a phone and a laptop.
However, further investigation led police to Makama’s residence, where the stolen money and phone were found buried in the yard.
The accused are scheduled to reappear in court on October 16.
In Berea district Tlotliso Motoa (31) from Ha Poqa, Berea; Sechaba Mokone (25) from Ha ‘Mathata, Leribe; and Bokang Makepi (32) from Ha Telukhunoana, appeared before the Berea Magistrate Court on September 30.
They were charged with the murder of a 27-year-old man. Police reports indicate that on September 28, the deceased and the accused were at a local tavern and later left together.
Near Ha Telukhunoana, an altercation arose when the accused attempted to take the deceased to an initiation school, which he resisted. It is alleged that they assaulted the deceased with sticks, leaving him unconscious. He was later found by the police and rushed to the hospital but died on the way.
In another case, four men from Berea district were found guilty of illegal firearm possession after appearing in court following a police operation at Lefikeng Ha ‘Mamathe on October 2.
Masia Ramakhula (47) from Ha Rapalo was found with a .38 Special revolver and sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of M2000.
Makeka Motšoane (36) from Ha Rapalo was found with an SP1 9mm firearm and sentenced to four years or a fine of M4000. Lesiamo Mphasa (33) from Ha Rapalo was found with a Noringo 9mm firearm and sentenced to three years or a fine of M3000. Kutoane Koloba (49) from Ha Phalatsane was found with a .38 Special revolver and sentenced to two years or a fine of M2000. All the four men were able to pay the fines.
They are believed to be linked to a local gang known as “Liala Mabatha,” with Masia allegedly being their leader.
Moreover, Phinithi Lebetla (64) from Maseru East has been sentenced to two years in jail or a fine of M2000 after being found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm, which he paid.
Senoko Marou (26) from Ketane Ha Rasephokoane, residing in Semonkong, was sentenced to a suspended five-year term in prison or a fine of M5,000, after being found guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition.
In Thaba-Tseka district, Tholang Nape (23) from Ha Tšiu appeared before the Thaba-Tseka Magistrate Court. He was convicted of assault with intent to cause grievous harm and theft.
He was sentenced to eight years in prison or a fine of M10000 for the assault and one year or M5000 for the theft, both of which he failed to pay. According to police reports, on October 1, Nape attacked a fellow villager with a stick, and after the victim fell, Nape stole his car keys and fled.
The community apprehended him and handed him over to the police. It is suspected that Nape may be involved in drug dealing.
In another incident in Thaba-Tseka, the police received reports of break-ins at a local business and a primary school. Clothing, shoes, groceries, pickaxes, an axe, and cash were stolen.
The police arrested Tšeliso Tjokofa (20) from Mohlanapeng in connection with the break-ins, who was found guilty by the court and sentenced to 30 years in prison or a fine of M30000, which he was unable to pay.
