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).
A long-standing grudge, a village insult, and a deadly confrontation took centre stage this week in the High Court as three men from Thaba-Tšoeu, Mafeteng, stood trial for the 2018 murder of Neo Ralibaka.
Before Justice Mabatšoeneng Hlaele, the courtroom heard testimony from both prosecution and defence, painting a picture of escalating tensions that ended in bloodshed.
The accused, Makhoalinyane Makhoalinyane, Paramente Motanyane, and Retšelisitsoe Makhoalinyane, are charged with murdering Ralibaka on November 28, 2018, following an alleged insult exchanged with Koporale Motanyane, the father of one of the accused.
Motanyane testified that he was herding cattle when Ralibaka confronted him, repeatedly asking why he was insulting him. After Motanyane refused to answer, Ralibaka allegedly insulted him and walked away. Motanyane then called his son, Paramente, to take over the cattle while he went to report the matter to the village chief.
He further told the court that later that day, his son informed him that he and the others had assaulted Ralibaka, resulting in his death. Motanyane said he advised Paramente to report the matter to his mother so she could notify the chief.
Paramente later took the stand, claiming he confronted the deceased because of the earlier insult to his father. He was joined by Makhoalinyane and, later, Retšelisitsoe.
According to Paramente, when they approached Ralibaka, he began throwing stones at them and eventually struck Retšelisitsoe with a stick. A scuffle ensued, during which Ralibaka allegedly pulled out a knife. Paramente said he managed to disarm him and stabbed him in the process.
After the incident, Paramente informed his mother, ‘Maliako, that the fight “ended badly.” She alerted Motanyane, who instructed her to report to the Chief. When a police vehicle appeared, the three accused fled, hiding until sunset.
Paramente’s mother later informed him that Neo had died and police were searching for them. The trio surrendered and were arrested.
During cross-examination, Prosecutor Advocate Joala challenged Paramente’s motive, suggesting the confrontation was meant to “teach Neo a lesson” for insulting his father.
Joala highlighted a witness’s testimony that the accused continued assaulting Neo after he fell and threatened the witness not to interfere.
Joala also pointed out a contradiction. He said Paramente’s lawyer previously suggested Makhoalinyane initiated the confrontation as a community policing member, yet Paramente now claimed he led it.
Joala argued that the contradictions in testimony and failure to challenge key statements during previous cross-examinations point to fabrication by the defence.
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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