Africa-Press – Lesotho. The murder case involving the former Prime Minister Hon. Motsoahae Thabane and his wife ‘Maesaiah Thabane will be heard “expeditiously”. This the presiding judge, Justice Molefi Makara said on Tuesday in the High
Court. Thabane and wife together with Rethabile Mokete popularly known as Mosotho Chakela, a Mosotho male residing in Bloemfontein in South Africa (SA), now deceased,
Seabata Lieta a Mosotho male residing in Mangaung, SA and Macheli Koeshe, Molefi Matima a Mosotho male residing in Sebokeng SA, also deceased face charges of murder, attempted murder of Thabane’s wife, Lipolelo Thabane on June
14, 2017, who was gunned in the outskirts of Maseru at Ha-‘Masana. They
also face charges of attempted murder of Thato Sibolla who was travelling with the deceased at that fateful night, as well as malicious damage to property.
Thabanes’ are the only accused who have made court appearances while the other co-accused whereabouts are unbeknown to court. Judge Makara impressed that a pre-trial conference should be held and that the lawyer
who will be involved with the matter should be available at all material times even if such counsel comes from abroad. “There should be a counsel who practices at this jurisdiction, who should always be
available,” stressed Judge Makara. He said it is important that the proceedings are expedited and justice is dispensed. Justice Makara added: “Judicial proceedings should not be a torturous process.
” He said the crown and defence lawyers will meet and identify “points of divergence”. The
presiding Judge noted however that it is “unfortunate” that the crown had not furnished the accused with the statements of police and other relevant documents that will enable them to prepare their defence.
“It is constitutional that the accused are apprised of the documents from the police
and other related documents upon which the charges are sustained. ” Judge Makara further emphasised that this matter has been afforded a “preferential
treatment” so that it is disposed of speedily. As only two accused were in court, he ordered the crown to ensure that the other accused, Lieta and Koeshe are arraigned before court.
Alternatively, he told the crown to advise if they continue with the charges against this duo. “The hope is that it would not be at a very distant date,” he said.
The lead prosecutor is the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Hlalefang Motinyane and she is assisted by Advocate Motene Rafoneke. Attorney
Qalehang Letsika is representing Hon. Thabane while Advocate Salemane Phafane King’s Counsel (KC) represents Mrs Thabane. The accused had not pleaded.
The matter is stood down to April 28 where it is expected that the pre-trial conference will take place and at its conclusion, the trial dates will be set.
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