Man accused of attempted murder awaits court date
Relebohile Makhetha
Tumelo Pitso, 42, of Serutle, appeared before the Botha-Bothe Magistrate Court on November 27, 2024, facing attempted murder charges involving his wife. The incident, which occurred on October 15, 2024, reportedly stemmed from a heated argument over Pitso’s substance abuse. He is accused of pouring boiling water, initially intended for poultry preparation, on his wife and locking her in a hut before fleeing to South Africa.
Tumelo was apprehended at the border on November 26, 2024, after being repatriated from South Africa. He remains in custody and is scheduled for his next court appearance on December 11, 2024.
Women sentenced for targeting elderly in theft scam
Two women from Ha Mapeshoane, Mothepane ’Matli (35) and Libopo Molengoane (27) appeared before the Maseru Magistrate Court on November 27, 2024, charged with theft under false pretenses. On November 22, 2024, the pair reportedly distracted a 77-year-old woman in Ha Pilietsane, Ha Mofoka, and stole her bag, which contained M560, an ID card, chicken meat, and other documents.
Both were convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison or a fine of M10,000 each. Unable to pay the fine, they were sent to prison to serve their sentences, with the court emphasising the need for reform and respect toward the elderly.
Woman charged with boyfriend’s murder in Ha Tsolo
In Maseru Urban, a 24-year-old woman from Ha Seoli has been charged with the murder of her 32-year-old boyfriend from Ha Tsolo. The incident occurred on November 30, 2024, at around 9:30 PM.
Police reports indicate that the couple, both allegedly intoxicated, argued after the woman requested money, which the man refused. Suspecting infidelity, she fatally stabbed him multiple times with scissors. The accused was scheduled to appear in court on December 3, 2024.
24-Year sentence for girlfriend’s murder
In Mohale’s Hoek, Tšoelesa Molata, 41, of Ha Makoanyane, was sentenced to 24 years in prison by Judge Tšeliso Mokoko on November 29, 2024. The conviction relates to the 2018 murder of his girlfriend, ‘Makatiso Mabea.
Molata violently assaulted and strangled Mabea, suspecting her of infidelity. The court condemned his actions as a severe violation of human rights, highlighting the tragic loss of life caused by gender-based violence (GBV).
