Tholo Rahlao (28) this week appeared before the Maseru Magistrate Court for defrauding two users of VCL Financial Services (VFS) mobile money platform M-Pesa, of a combined M8,400.
Rahlao was charged with two counts of fraud under Section 68(1), read with Section 109 of the Penal Code No. 6 of 2010.
The prosecution alleges that on January 7 in Lithabaneng, Rahlao fraudulently posed as a VFS employee and deceived Tlali Leemisa into revealing his M-Pesa PIN, leading to a financial loss of M5 100.
In a separate incident on January 9 in Ha-Motšoeneng, he allegedly used the same scam tactic on ‘Manthatisi Georgina Motšoeneng, stealing M3 300 from her M-Pesa account.
The court granted Rahlao bail of M3 000, with an additional requirement of immovable property worth M10 000 as surety. His case has been postponed to February 11 for further proceedings.
Meanwhile, Tefo’ Manaka Letlatsa (23), from Semphetenyana, has been charged with murder. He is accused of fatally stabbing Moeti Ramosoeu on January 22, inflicting multiple wounds to the clavicle, chest, and right side of the nipple, resulting in his death.
Similarly, Semakuoa Mokoma (20) is facing a murder charge for allegedly stabbing Ntlhong Moerane to death with a knife on December 14, 2024, in Qoaling. Both suspects have been remanded until February 11.
According to police reports from January 2025, Lesotho recorded fewer than 20 murder cases involving suspects aged 18 to 30. While the numbers remain relatively low, authorities are concerned about the increasing involvement of young adults in violent crimes.
Summary
- The prosecution alleges that on January 7 in Lithabaneng, Rahlao fraudulently posed as a VFS employee and deceived Tlali Leemisa into revealing his M-Pesa PIN, leading to a financial loss of M5 100.
- In a separate incident on January 9 in Ha-Motšoeneng, he allegedly used the same scam tactic on ‘Manthatisi Georgina Motšoeneng, stealing M3 300 from her M-Pesa account.
- He is accused of fatally stabbing Moeti Ramosoeu on January 22, inflicting multiple wounds to the clavicle, chest, and right side of the nipple, resulting in his death.
Welcome to Newsday Media – Your Trusted Source for News and Insights in Lesotho!
At Newsday Media, we are passionate about delivering accurate, timely, and engaging news and multimedia content to our diverse audience. Founded with the vision of revolutionizing the media landscape in Lesotho, we have grown into a leading hybrid media company that blends traditional journalism with innovative digital platforms.
Our mission is simple: to inform, inspire, and empower our readers by providing comprehensive coverage of local and global events, current affairs, and cultural happenings. Whether you’re looking for breaking news, in-depth analysis, or captivating storytelling, Newsday Media is your go-to destination for all things news-related.
With a dedicated team of journalists, editors, and multimedia experts, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity and professionalism. We pride ourselves on delivering content that not only informs but also sparks conversation, fosters understanding, and drives positive change in our society.
From our flagship newspaper to our dynamic digital platforms, we offer a wide range of multimedia content to cater to the diverse interests and preferences of our audience. Whether you prefer to stay informed through print, online articles, videos, or podcasts, Newsday Media has something for everyone.
We believe in the power of storytelling to connect people, bridge divides, and inspire action. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing a platform for voices from all walks of life, championing diversity, inclusion, and authenticity in everything we do.
Thank you for visiting Newsday Media. We invite you to explore our website, engage with our content, and join us on our journey to inform, inspire, and empower our community. Together, let’s shape the future of media in Lesotho.
