Relebohile Makhetha
The defense in the ongoing bombings trial has commenced cross-examination of Lieutenant Colonel Thabiso Rajane, the second witness for the state, raising critical points about the events surrounding the 2014 bombings at the homes of ‘Maesiah Thabane, then Liabiloe Ramoholi, and former Commissioner of Police Khothatso Tšooana.
During yesterday’s proceedings, Advocate Letuka Molati, representing the defense, focused on the specifics of the vehicles allegedly involved in the bombings.
Molati pointed out that white Toyota 4×4 vehicles are predominantly used by the police, army, and various government ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Communications.
His questions followed Rajane’s testimony that he had heard on the radio about the bombings at Moshoeshoe II and Ha-Abia, and that white 4×4 vehicles linked to the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Ministry of Communications were involved.
Molati emphasised that it was not unusual for army members to use vehicles from different units within the army to fulfill their mandate of preserving peace.
Rajane had earlier testified about encountering Second Lieutenant Litekanyo Nyakane driving a 4×4 vehicle belonging to the Military Intelligence office on his way to a parade at Ha Ratjomose.
He noted that Nyakane was part of the Special Forces Unit and that the vehicle was typically used by Major Lekhooa and Major Mochesane.
Crucially, Molati revealed that former Commissioner Tšooana was not present at his home during the bombings and that he allegedly prevented the army from assisting in the subsequent investigations.
Further, Molati argued that the army had taken weapons, including bombs, from the police in 2014. He suggested that the explosive device used at Ramoholi’s home was similar to those the police had access to, implying potential police involvement or negligence.
The trial, overseen by Justice Charles Hungwe, sees former Army Commander Tlali Kamoli and several army members—Pitso Ramoepana, Litekanyo Nyakane, Heqoa Malefane, and Mohlalefi Seitlheko—facing charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property.