Relebohile Makhetha
In Mafeteng, a 41-year-old man from Ha Lekhari is in police custody for the alleged murder of an 87-year-old woman from the same village.
Reports indicate that on November 21, at approximately 11:00 AM, neighbours went to visit the elderly woman to offer prayers but discovered her house was locked with a window broken.
They alerted the village chief, and upon entry through the broken window, the grandmother was found lifeless in her bed. Preliminary investigations indicated signs of strangulation.
The suspect, who was arrested on November 23 while in hiding, is believed to have sexually assaulted the victim. When he realised she could identify him, he allegedly killed her to silence her.
In another case in the same district, a 58-year-old man, Leeto Mosala, who had been on the run since November 2023, was arrested on November 16 in connection with the brutal murder of five family members.
He appeared in court on November 20 and is now in custody, alongside a co-accused, awaiting trial.
Meanwhile, in Mapoteng, Berea District, police are investigating the murder of a 69-year-old man, found dead in his home on November 25. The victim had been hosting an unknown guest since November 20, who was last seen on the night before the victim’s death.
The man was discovered with open wounds, and the guest has since disappeared. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect to contact the Mapoteng or Berea police.
In a separate case, a 72-year-old man, Fofo Posholi, from Sebitia Ha Mpa, appeared before the Berea Magistrate Court on November 25, facing charges for the possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol and two rounds of ammunition. He was sentenced to two years in prison or a fine of M5,000. Since he was unable to pay the fine, he remains incarcerated.
The ongoing “Operation Fiela” continues to uncover unlicensed firearms, particularly among older men, and increasingly, women. Last week, a 34-year-old woman, Lieketso Basele, from Sekubu Makanyaneng, appeared in the Botha-Bothe Magistrate Court for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
She was sentenced to five years in prison or a fine of M5,000, which she paid, leading to her release.
Police are urging the public to report any knowledge of illegal firearms or suspicious activities to help ensure the safety of the community.
