Relebohile Makhetha
Man arrested for alleged murder in Mohale’s Hoek
A 37-year-old man from Ketane, Thoteng, is in police custody for allegedly killing a 44-year-old man from Nk’hunk’hu. The incident occurred on December 10, 2024, when the deceased visited his 36-year-old girlfriend in Ketane Thoteng.
Around 9 PM, while the couple was asleep, the suspect reportedly broke into the house by kicking down the door and attempted to attack the deceased with a stick. A fight ensued and spilled outside, where the deceased managed to escape.
However, his lifeless body was discovered by a neighbour the following night. The suspect, allegedly enraged to find the deceased in bed with his sister, was arrested on December 12, 2024, in Kubake, where he had been hiding.
Retired police officer faces charges of public misconduct
Thabo Lebamang (47), a retired police officer, appeared in court on charges under Section 84 and Section 109(3) of the Penal Code Act No. 6 of 2010. He is accused of using abusive and threatening language in public against female officers Ratšoeu and Moremoholo.
The incident took an unusual turn when Lebamang allegedly consumed a road sign during the altercation. The incident also revealed his criminal history, including a previous armed robbery charge in Mafeteng. Lebamang was granted bail of M500.00 and is scheduled to appear again on December 31, 2024.
Man surrenders unlicensed rifle in Mohale’s Hoek
A 61-year-old man from Lithabaneng, Maseru, handed over an unlicensed .303 rifle to police on December 9, 2024. The weapon was displayed during a funeral in Phamong, Tlaling, on December 7, 2024, when the heavily intoxicated man placed it on a table in front of the pastor mid-sermon. He was unable to explain how he acquired the firearm and is reported to have a history of substance abuse and mental instability.
Police officer investigated for misappropriating travel funds
A 46-year-old police constable from Lisemeng 1, Leribe, is under investigation for allegedly misappropriating funds meant for a group trip to Durban, South Africa. While some arrangements were made, the officer is accused of diverting the funds for personal use, later disappearing when transport providers demanded payment.
He was arrested in Maseru on December 14, 2024. The case is awaiting clearance from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mother charged with abandoning baby in Mantšonyane
‘Mampolai Matseletsele (29) from Ha Mafa, Mantšonyane, has been charged with child abandonment under Section 23(1)(e)(11) of the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act of 2011. On December 12, 2024, Matseletsele abandoned her seven-week-old baby girl under a culvert at the Ha Setala junction. The baby was rescued and taken to St. James Hospital.
Matseletsele later confessed that fear of her mother-in-law’s reaction to her undisclosed pregnancy drove her actions. She was released on bail and is set to reappear in court on December 31, 2024.
Police Constable dismissed for desertion
Police authorities have confirmed the dismissal of PC Fani Mochekoane (32) from Motsekuoa, Mafeteng, for desertion. The officer had been absent from duty since June 2024, with all efforts to locate him proving unsuccessful. Even his family claimed no knowledge of his whereabouts.
His dismissal, effective December 3, 2024, highlights the police force’s concern over officers abandoning their posts and wasting public resources invested in their training. Police management emphasized their commitment to discipline and urged officers to uphold their oaths of service.
