… From arson to stabbing, no bail for Most
On Tuesday this week, the Maseru Magistrate Court, presided over by Magistrate ‘Mamorojele Qoo, heard different cases involving serious charges of rape, aggravated assault, and arson.
Prosecutors Moeketsi Tšolo and Chopho represented the state in the proceedings.
In the first case, Rethabile Masila, a 26-year-old from Ha Tšiu, Maseru, is charged with two counts of rape. It is alleged that on December 31, 2024, Masila coerced two 19-year-old women into non-consensual acts. The court denied him bail, stating that he must provide compelling reasons for bail during his next appearance on January 28, 2025.
In the second case, Polao Shao, aged 30 and from Ha Maama, Roma, Maseru, faces charges of aggravated assault. The court heard that on January 12, 2025, Shao stabbed Leeto Makhetha in the chest with a knife during an altercation at Ha Thetsane. Prosecutor Chopho strongly opposed bail, citing the victim’s critical condition. The court agreed and remanded Shao until January 28, 2025.
The third case involved Qeto Mafatlane, who faces charges of arson for allegedly setting fire to two houses belonging to ‘Makananelo Mashabesha on January 11, 2025, at Ha Paki, Mazenod. Prosecutor Chopho informed the court that Mafatlane is receiving treatment for mental illness at Scott Hospital and that the hospital had requested his immediate return for continued care.
Given this, the court granted Mafatlane Own Recognisance (OR) bail, with the condition that he appear on February 10, 2025, for an update on his condition and fitness to stand trial.
Relebohile Makhetha is a court and crime reporter based in Maseru. She has been working at Newsday since 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Communication from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (2024) and a Diploma in Mass Communication from the National University of Lesotho (Institute of Extra-Mural Studies, 2018).
