A 35-year-old man, Thabang ‘Finish’ Makape from Matelile, Ha Koepe, in Mafeteng, is set to appear before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court on February 24, 2025, for the alleged murders of Khopolo ‘Lisuoa’ Kholuoe and Pulane Macheli, which occurred last year.
Makape was arrested on February 9, 2025, and made his first court appearance the following day. He remains in custody as police investigations continue. The arrest marks a significant development in the case, as Khopolo’s death last year sent shockwaves through the local entertainment industry
Cop kills lover after failed reconciliation
A 33-year-old police officer from Qalo, Botha-Bothe, is in police custody on suspicion of murdering his 29-year-old former lover from Ha Nkalimeng, Berea.
According to reports, the suspect, a member of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), had been in a romantic relationship with the deceased. On Sunday, February 16, 2025, he allegedly confronted her at her home, demanding money, claiming she had used funds meant for a traditional event to organise a women’s gathering.
On Monday, February 17, 2025, the deceased’s father reported to the police that the suspect was physically abusing his daughter and that he feared for her life. The police intervened, mediating an agreement between the two parties. Since they were not legally married, they agreed to return each other’s belongings and separate amicably. Following the resolution, the deceased returned a stove and M300 that the suspect had given her.
However, while the deceased was walking past TY Hotel later that day, the suspect allegedly confronted her. When she attempted to flee, he pursued and knocked her down before fatally stabbing her with a knife. The suspect then voluntarily surrendered to the police, handing over the Rambo knife used in the attack. Upon arrival at the scene, police found the deceased with multiple stab wounds and a severed throat.
Investigations further revealed that the suspect had previously been suspended from duty in September 2024 after being found guilty of stealing a fellow officer’s firearm and selling it illegally. However, he had appealed the verdict and was reinstated pending the establishment of an appeal board. He remains in police custody and will appear in court once investigations are complete.
Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition
In a separate case, a 28-year-old man, Keketso Tlali from Roma Ha Maribenyane, appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court on February 17, 2025, facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Tlali was found in possession of two firearms—a 9mm pistol with nine rounds of ammunition and a 7.65mm pistol with seven rounds. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to eight years in prison or a fine of M8,000. Since he failed to pay the fine, he is currently serving his prison sentence.
Similarly, in Thaba-Tseka, a 21-year-old man, Tšepiso Letsolo from Makhuleng Matebeleng, appeared before the Thaba-Tseka Magistrate’s Court on 12 February 2025 on charges of illegal possession of a 9mm pistol and 25 rounds of ammunition. He was sentenced to eight years in prison or a fine of M8,000. Unable to pay the fine, he is serving his prison term.
Father denied bail in child sexual abuse case
A 50-year-old man appeared before the Thaba-Tseka Magistrate’s Court on February 13, 2025, charged with sexually assaulting his five-year-old daughter. The court denied him bail.
Reports indicate that the accused had been living alone with the child after separating from his wife. The abuse came to light when the child’s older sister noticed signs of distress and questioned her, leading to the revelation of the crime. The accused remains in custody, with his trial scheduled for February 25, 2025.
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).
