Relebohile Makhetha
A 20-year-old man, Kopano Makate, from Mathokoane Ha Tumahole, appeared before the Leribe Magistrate’s Court on August 29, charged with the murder of his 20-year-old wife.
According to information provided by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, on August 25 the accused locked his wife inside their house at 7:00 PM and left with the key. He returned home at 12:30 AM and knocked on the window for his wife to open the door. She informed him that the key was with him. During their conversation, the lights went out, prompting the accused to break in and assault her with a stick.
The following morning, she was taken to Sebothoane Hospital, where she was admitted. However, she was later transferred to Motebang Hospital on August 28, where she succumbed to her injuries. The man claims he suspected the power outage was caused by someone else being in the house with his wife. The deceased was found with multiple injuries and bruises all over her body. The accused remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance on September 10.
Botha-Bothe minors charged with sexual assault
In a separate case, a 17-year-old boy from Botha-Bothe appeared before the Botha-Bothe Magistrate’s Court on August 29, charged with sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The court granted him free bail, and he is scheduled to appear again on September 10, with the case to be heard on September 25.
Another 17-year-old boy from Botha-Bothe appeared in the same court on August 29, charged with sexually assaulting two girls aged 11 and 13. He is currently in juvenile detention awaiting trial, with his next court appearance set for September 12, when the case will be heard.
Mafeteng men charged with cattle theft
Four men appeared before the Mafeteng Magistrate’s Court on August 30, charged with cattle theft. The accused are Thabo Lebamang (47) from Mabothile, Botha-Bothe, a member of the Lesotho Police Service; Seabata Makhetha (32) from Thaba-Tšoeu Ha Thamahane; Katleho Ralenkoane (30) from Boleka Manyareleng; and Mohapi Mokhethi (35) from Ha Matala. The court granted each of them bail of M1,000.00, which they successfully paid. They are scheduled to appear in court again on September 12.
Reports indicate that on August 25, the men arrived at the home of a 24-year-old man from Thabaneng, having learned that he had returned from RSA with M180,000.00 in cash. They arrived at 11:00 PM, claiming to be police officers searching for a firearm. They ransacked the house and took the money. The police officer involved had his service pistol with him, which he had brought from Lithabaneng, where he works.
Of the stolen M180,000.00, the police recovered M32,180 from the suspects. One suspect had purchased a plot for M10,000.00. Additionally, a bed and wardrobe bought with the stolen money were seized. Most of the stolen money seems to have been spent on alcohol and clothing.
Mafeteng police investigating fatal shooting in Tajane
The Mafeteng police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on August 31, in Tajane Phomolong, where three men and one woman were killed, and two other men were injured.
Reports indicate that the victims were returning from a party at Ha Rakhoboso. While driving through the fields in Phomolong, they noticed a man shooting at their vehicle. When the vehicle stopped, a group of about 30 men opened fire on it. After the incident, the attackers fled towards Hatsolang.
The deceased and injured were traveling in a Chevrolet Utility van. Police recovered 9mm shell casings at the scene. In a similar incident at Ha Ramatšeliso, two men traveling in a Honda Fit were attacked and shot while returning from the same party.
They managed to escape to a nearby home, where soldiers found them and rushed them to the hospital. Police also found 9mm shell casings at this scene. In the Phomolong incident, one man survived unharmed. The total number of victims is four dead and four hospitalised.
