A chilling account of the deadly 2014 coup attempt unfolded in court as Lance Sergeant Shaabe Thamae testified in the high-profile treason trial, detailing how armed soldiers stormed police headquarters in Maseru and fatally shot Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko in cold blood.
Thamae, the eighth witness for the prosecution, followed testimonies from Retired Major General Lineo Poopa, Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Mofokeng Kolo, and Detective Lance Sergeant Liau Seeko.
His testimony came after Seeko’s cross-examination was delayed to allow the prosecution to provide the defence with a photo album documenting evidence from several police stations attacked that fateful August.
Recalling the night of August 29, 2014, Thamae testified that he was on duty in the radio room at police headquarters with Police Constable Mokete Litulo when the late Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko walked in.
As they monitored the radio, the signal from their station suddenly cut out. Frantically switching frequencies, they realized that nearly all police channels had gone silent, except for one. Shortly after, Assistant Commissioner of Police Loke called, warning that armed Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) soldiers had infiltrated the building. Peering out the window, they saw soldiers in uniform.
Realising the immediate danger, Thamae, Litulo, and Ramahloko decided to surrender unarmed. Thamae narrated that Ramahloko left his rifle behind and concealed his pistol before stepping forward.
As Thamae led the way out of the office, he was met with the chilling sight of a rifle muzzle and men in military uniform. Sensing imminent death, he instinctively retreated. Ramahloko took his place. Shouts erupted. Then gunfire.
Ramahloko groaned and collapsed. Hidden, Thamae said he listened as a voice ordered the dragging away of Ramahloko’s body. Fearing execution, he and Litulo tried to escape, but armed soldiers caught them.
Thamae described being forced to roll on the ground as soldiers unleashed brutal assaults. Dazed from the beatings, he was eventually ordered to stand. Feeling dizzy from the assault, he struggled to comply but eventually managed to stand once the dizziness subsided.
Observing his surroundings, he saw a person lying on the ground and several individuals leaning against the wall near the guardroom with their hands raised. He was then instructed to join them.
The accused in the case include Minister of Health and leader of the Movement for Economic Change (MEC) Selibe Mochoboroane, former Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) Mothetjoa Metsing, former Army Commander Tlali Kamoli, as well as army members Litekanyo Nyakane, Motloheloa Ntsane, and Leutsoa Motsieloa.
They are facing multiple charges, including treason, murder, attempted murder, risk of injury or death, and aggravated assault, all of which they have pleaded not guilty to. Among the charges, they are all accused of the murder of Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko and the attempted murder of Letsekang Mothibeli, along with alternative charges of aggravated assault against Sergeant Mahanetse, Lance Sergeant Thabisa Kopa, Lance Sergeant Thamae, Police Constable Mokete Litulo, and Police Constable Mone.
Additionally, Kamoli, Nyakane, Metsing, and Mochoboroane specifically face charges of treason, the attempted murder of Police Constable Moeketsi, and alternative charges including risk of injury or death, aggravated assault, and the assault of Sub-Inspector Joel.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences took place between August 29 and 30, 2014, and were committed in furtherance of a shared and common purpose by the accused, along with the late Tefo Hashatsi, Bulane Sechele, Tumo Lekhooa, and other individual’s unknown to the prosecution.
The defense is represented by Advocates Motiea Teele (KC), Letuka Molati, Lepeli Molapo, Kabelo Letuka, and Napo Mafaesa. The case is currently being heard before Justice Maliepollo Makhetha.
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).
