Lesotho Correctional Service employees face charges
Sargent Molukuoe Thamae (46) and Tšepang Mothepu, both employees of the Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS), appeared before the court on charges of murder and malicious damage to property.
The prosecution revealed that on December 2, 2023, near the LCS premises, the accused allegedly fatally shot Thabang Phosholi using a rifle. They also stand accused of deliberately shooting and damaging a vehicle valued at M27,000, belonging to one Mokete. Both men remain in custody and are scheduled to return to court on January 28, 2025.
Former LDF member faces assault charges
Lehlohonolo Mohono (62), a former Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) member and private secretary to a former Deputy Prime Minister, appeared in court on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm against his ex-wife, Sophia Katsana.
The court heard that in October 2024, Mohono stabbed Katsana in the chest and hands and choked her during an argument. Despite the severity of the allegations, the court granted him bail on his own recognisance. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 10, 2025.
Unauthorised use of property
Tšilisehang Mokete was charged with unauthorised use of property under the Penal Code Act No. 6 of 2010.
On January 5, 2025, Mokete unlawfully used a Golf 5 vehicle belonging to ’Masera Khaka without consent. When questioned, Mokete admitted to the charge, explaining that he had taken the vehicle to return home and change his shoes. The court acknowledged his guilty plea and explanation but emphasised the gravity of the offence. It noted that unauthorised use of property could easily escalate into theft, a crime with serious societal implications.
In delivering judgment, the court imposed a fine of M4,000.00 or, alternatively, a sentence of four years’ imprisonment should the fine remain unpaid. The court highlighted that such actions undermine property rights and trust, warranting strong deterrence to prevent similar offences.
Triple murder charges
In Maseru Urban, 34-year-old Mongoli Ranyali from Lesobeng Ha Peterose, residing at Lion Rock, Ha Matala, appeared in the Maseru Magistrate’s Court on January 13, 2025, charged with murdering three men.
The first victim, whose identity remains unknown, was discovered on June 13, 2024, at Fika-lea-oa with severe mutilations, including facial skin removal and a severed neck bone. Witnesses described him as a frequent drinker in the area. Despite wearing a “Mapetla High School” T-shirt, no family has come forward to identify him.
The second victim, Sello Raselo (67) from Lekhalong Lithabaneng, was found on August 1, 2024, with similar injuries. The third victim, Tumo Telamo (57) from Marakabei, was discovered on August 20, 2024, stabbed with a spear and bearing a severed neck bone.
Investigations revealed that two victims were last seen drinking with the accused, who allegedly attacked them later. The third victim reportedly followed the accused from the same drinking spot.
The suspect, described as a casual labourer known by a nickname, claims to have been driven by an uncontrollable force. The motive behind the murders remains unclear. He remains in custody and is scheduled to reappear in court on January 28, 2025.
Matricide charges in Ha Mojela
In Maseru Rural, a 33-year-old woman and her 21-year-old son from Ha Mojela face charges of murdering her 12-year-old son.
On January 8, 2025, the woman assaulted the boy with a stick and whip, accusing him of stealing M100. Her elder son joined the assault, beating the child with a belt. Afterwards, they left him unattended and went to bed. Early the next morning, they found the boy unresponsive. Before his death, the child had denied stealing the money.
Newborn rescued in Qacha’s Nek
In Qacha’s Nek, a newborn baby was rescued after being abandoned in a toilet on January 7, 2025. At around 4:50 a.m, a 59-year-old man from Ha Mosiuoa heard faint cries from a toilet and discovered the baby wrapped in paper. He alerted his wife, and together they rescued the infant.
A 21-year-old woman, employed at a local home business, was identified as the mother. She admitted to abandoning the baby out of fear of societal judgment for having a child out of wedlock. The local chief instructed her to care for the baby until authorities arrived.
Police transported the mother and child to Machabeng Hospital, where the baby, a boy, received medical care and was found to be in stable condition. The case is under investigation.
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).
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