TebohoNkitsing, a 21-year-old male from Thabaneng, Mohale’s Hoek, appeared before the Mohale’s Hoek Magistrate’s Court on May 15, 2025. He was charged with the sexual assault of a 25-year-old mentally disabled woman. The report indicates that on February 4, 2025, the accused instructed the victim to enter a toilet, where he subsequently undressed and sexually assaulted her. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.
In a separate incident, two men, KhauheloMasoenyane, 23, of Braakfontein Kholokoe, and KonofiPitso, 18, of Zastron Ezibeleni, are scheduled to appear before the Mohale’s Hoek Magistrate’s Court on May 28, 2025, facing charges of livestock theft. The report details that on May 13, 2025, the suspects entered a residence in Majakaneng and stole thirteen sheep. They were apprehended and brought before the court on May 15, 2025, where they were granted bail of M1,000.00 and ordered to post a M10,000.00 bond, which they failed to pay. Consequently, they are currently awaiting trial in custody.
Also, a 20-year-old woman from Phamistone is currently in police custody in Botha-Bothe, facing charges related to the termination of a pregnancy. The investigation began on May 14, 2025, when residents observed that the woman was no longer pregnant and subsequently reported their concerns to the chief. Upon questioning, the suspect admitted to taking pills to induce an abortion and disposing of the fetus in a latrine. The chief then alerted the police, who arrested the woman. The fetus was recovered from the latrine, wrapped in plastic. She will appear in court upon the completion of the ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, the Botha-Bothe Police conducted a “Khalema” operation from May 16 to May 17, 2025, targeting illegal firearms, wanted suspects involved in various criminal offences, and illicit drugs. During this operation, three men were arrested for the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Two men, aged 25 and 40, from Motete, were found in possession of a 9mm pistol and three rounds of ammunition. Another man, aged 42, from Solane, was apprehended with a 9mm pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition. This individual was also found with 14 bags of marijuana. All three will appear in court pending the completion of investigations.
In Thaba-Tseka district, SeturumaneRamokhosi, a 35-year-old male from Mantšonyane Matomaneng Ha Mathatela, appeared before the Thaba-Tseka Magistrate’s Court on May 16, 2025. He was charged with the unlawful possession of a Pump-Action firearm and three rounds of ammunition. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment or a fine of M10,000.00. He paid the fine and was subsequently released.
In Maseru Urban on May 17, 2025, at approximately 10:00 PM, the Police Special Operations Unit (SOU) thwarted an attempted robbery. Three men travelling in a Honda Fit attempted to intercept a vehicle belonging to a Bangladeshi national near FrieBell, demanding money. Fortunately, a police patrol vehicle happened to pass by the scene, and officers observed the unfolding situation. The suspects immediately opened fire, prompting the police to return fire. During the exchange, one suspect was injured, while the other two fled the scene, one in the vehicle and the other disappearing into nearby trees. The apprehended suspect, a 30-year-old male from Motimposo, is currently receiving medical treatment at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH). He will appear in court upon his discharge from the hospital.
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).
