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The High Court through Justice Charles Hungwe has on Monday assured one of the accused charged with the murder of Maaparankoe Mahao that the court will protect him from unfair cross- examination in the absence of his legal representative.
This was after Captain Litekanyo Nyakane who is currently under cross-examination by the prosecution raised a concern that the proceedings commenced in the absence of his lawyer Advocate Silas Ratau.
He pointed out that he wonders if he would be doing himself justice if he continued with his evidence when his legal representative is not yet before court. He emphasised that his lawyer should be present as he continues with his evidence so that he will protect him when need arises.
The accused was told by the court that his lawyer is aware that the proceedings can go ahead in his absence and that he has agreed that the court proceeds while he makes his way to court. He was further told that other defence lawyers can protect him in the absence of his lawyer.
Nyakane is in this case charged together with other 8 members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) including Retired Army Commander Lieutanant General Tlali Kamoli.
It is alleged that they shot and killed Mahao at Ha Lekete in Mokema on June 25 2015.
They are also charged with two counts of attempted murder and malicious damage to property.