Relebohile Makhetha
The murder trial of prominent radio journalist Ralikonelo ‘Leqhashasha’ Joki, who was brutally gunned down in May 2023, is underway, with the accused, Mothusi Tlelase, Sootho Liphotho, Moabi Sesioana, and Kamo Phakoe, facing overwhelming testimony.
Joki, known for his fearless reporting on corruption and government affairs on Tšenolo FM’s Hlokoana-La-Tsela, was shot dead outside his workplace in Maseru.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that he was hit once in the head and at least 13 times in the body. Prior to his murder, according to CPJ, Joki had received multiple death threats tied to his exposés on illegal activities involving politicians.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay condemned the murder, calling for accountability, stating, “Violent attacks on journalists must not go unpunished”.
In explosive testimony this week, a key witness, Teboho Kumi, who was driving the Honda Fit 4+1 used during the incident, testified that the accused had asked him to accompany them to Ha Thamae in Maseru on May 14, 2023, to collect “parcels”.
Kumi, who admitted to being intoxicated at the time, said that when they arrived, the accused exited the vehicle with firearms and declared their intent to kill Joki. Shortly after, Kumi heard gunshots and saw the accused return, claiming they had completed the job and needed to flee.
Kumi also disclosed that this was not the first time he had driven the accused for similar purposes, as they had used his vehicle on previous occasions while he was also under the influence.
Another witness, Sekhobe Maama, took the stand and recounted an incident where the accused, Mothusi, Sootho, and Kamo, approached him asking for contact details of someone connected to Ralikonelo.
When he questioned their motives, they openly declared their intention to kill the journalist, stating that the issue was related to initiation school matters.
Days later, Maama encountered Mothusi, who confirmed that they had killed Joki.
Maama also testified about another incident involving the murder of Mothibe Mothibe. He stated that Mothusi and Sootho asked him to contact Mothibe, and after locating him, the accused followed Mothibe and shot at his vehicle until it crashed.
Both Mothibe and Thomello Ntsane were in the car at the time of the attack. The accused then robbed Mothibe, taking his wallet, alcohol, and firearm.
Maama further testified about a conversation with Moabi, where he revealed that Moabi had paid Mothusi and Sootho M5,000 to kill Mothibe.
During cross-examination, defence lawyer Advocate Lepeli Molapo suggested that Maama was complicit in the killings of Mothibe and Thomello, even though he did not fire any shots. Molapo argued that Maama was testifying against the accused due to a promise of leniency from the police, as reflected in his confession to the magistrate.
The trial is being heard by High Court judge Justice Tšeliso Mokoko, with prosecutors Jobo Lephuthing and Advocate Lepeli Molapo leading the case.
