… Murder, abuse, theft cases surge
Mother charged with infant’s murder in Thaba-Tseka
In Thaba Tseka district, a 20-year-old woman, ‘Matlhohonolofatso Mosiroe from Ha Mosiroe, Mantšonyane, appeared before the Thaba-Tseka Magistrate’s Court on Monday, charged with murdering her eight-month-old son.
Reports state that on February 22, 2025, she purchased sleeping pills and gave them to the child after 9:00 PM, resulting in his death.
Authorities say her motive was tied to the child’s father, who works in South Africa and allegedly provided no financial support, leading her to believe killing the child was her only option
She remains in custody and is due back in court on March 5, 2025.
Woman sentenced for assaulting daughter
In the same district, 34-year-old ‘Mapuleng Ramone from Ha-Laka faced the same court last week, charged with assaulting her nine-year-old daughter.
On February 10, 2025, she reportedly beat the child with a belt and pinched her arms, a pattern of abuse linked to leaving her children unattended for long periods while engaging in reckless behaviour.
Neighbours frequently cared for the children, and upon returning, Ramone punished them for “wandering.” She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years in prison or a M7,000 fine.
Unable to pay, she was imprisoned.
Father accused of sexually assaulting son in Berea
In Berea district, a 36-year-old man from Berea appeared before the Berea Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges of sexually assaulting his 10-year-old son.
Reports reveal that the child had been frequently running away from home, stating that his father threatened him and that he would rather seek help from the police. After being returned home multiple times, further investigation uncovered that the father had been sexually abusing him.
It was also discovered that the child faced difficulties even accessing the toilet. He was taken to the hospital and is currently under protective care. The child has reportedly not been attending school.
His mother is said to be living in South Africa and no longer residing with the accused.
72-year-old man caught with illegal firearm
Also in Berea, a 72-year-old grandfather from Thellaboi was arrested during the “Operation Fiela” campaign targeting illegal firearms.
He faces charges of unlawfully possessing a 9mm firearm and two rounds of ammunition. His court appearance is pending further investigation.
Vehicle theft suspect bailed in Maseru
In Maseru Urban, a 27-year-old woman, ‘Mamaseru Maqhobela from Koro-Koro, Ha Seturumane, appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court last week facing charges of vehicle theft.
Reports indicate that on December 23, 2024, she was found in possession of the stolen vehicle in C-Point, Maseru. The vehicle, an Isuzu D/C 4×4, had already been altered, including tampering with its identification marks.
It was initially reported stolen in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in September 2024.
The court granted her bail set at M2,000.00, which she successfully paid. She is scheduled to appear in court again on March, 17, 2025.
Teacher faces charges of student sexual abuse in Mafeteng
In Mafeteng a 38-year-old male teacher from Matholeng, working at one of the high schools in Mafeteng, is facing three charges of sexually abusing male students.
Police reports indicate that the teacher took advantage of situations where he could isolate students to fulfill his inappropriate behaviour. These incidents reportedly took place in classrooms or teachers’ offices.
The accused allegedly engaged in sexual conversations with students, inappropriately touching them, asking them to expose themselves, and at times, hugging them forcefully.
The students have reportedly experienced anxiety and fear about attending school. It was further revealed that he would dismiss other students from class to remain alone with his victims.
Two reports were filed recently after victims realised the accused had stopped coming to school, giving them the courage to come forward. They had previously feared that reporting him would make school even more difficult.
The accused will appear in court once investigations are concluded. Authorities are urging all affected students to report their experiences to the police, assuring them of their safety and protection.
Additionally, reports indicate that some teachers engage in inappropriate relationships with underage students, which is illegal and places students in vulnerable situations. Some students reportedly fear that refusing advances from teachers may affect their academic progress.
The police strongly encourage victims to report such cases and warn those involved to cease such misconduct immediately.
Your Trusted Source for News and Insights in Lesotho!
At Newsday Media, we are passionate about delivering accurate, timely, and engaging news and multimedia content to our diverse audience. Founded with the vision of revolutionizing the media landscape in Lesotho, we have grown into a leading hybrid media company that blends traditional journalism with innovative digital platforms.
