What You Need to Know
The treason trial involving prominent Lesotho politicians, including former Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing, is set to continue on May 26, 2026. The cross-examination of Sergeant Shaabe Thamae, a key witness, was postponed due to health issues. The accused face serious charges including treason and murder stemming from events in August 2014.
Africa-Press – Lesotho. Cross-examination of Sergeant Shaabe Thamae in a case in which two politicians, former army commander and some members of the army are charged with treason, has been scheduled to continue on May 26 2026 when the case resumes.
Sergeant Thamae first took a stand in February 2025 as one of the state witnesses but his cross-examination was held in abeyance due to his ill health. He returned to the stand on Thursday to continue with his evidence but could not finish as the case was postponed to May 26-29 2026.
The return of the witness came after the court granted an application by the defence through Advocates Napo Mafaesa and Lepeli Molapo in which they requested deferment of cross-examination of Sergeant Kamoho Mahanetsa so that they could secure a report from an expert.
In his evidence about the alleged August 2014 attack at the Police Headquarters by army members, Thamae testified that he was on duty at a radio room with the late Sub-Inspector Ramahloko and another Police Officer Litulo. He narrated to the court how Ramahloko got shot and killed. He further testified about other events that took place on that day including when he was forced to take the body of the deceased to a mortuary.
The accused in this matter comprise the leader of Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), also Former Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Mothetjoa Metsing, the leader of Movement for Economic Change (MEC) also current Minister of Health Mr. Selibe Mochoboroane,Former Army Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli and some army members Litekanyo Nyakane, Motloheloa Ntsane and Leutsoa Motsieloa.
They are facing various charges and their alternatives which include treason, murder, attempted murder, risk of injury or death and aggravated assault which they have pleaded not guilty to.
The charges which are against all the accused include murder of Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko and attempted murder of Letsekang Mothibeli together with its alternatives, aggravated assault against Sergent Mahanetse, Lance Sergeant Thabisa Kopa, Lance Sergeant Thamae, Police Constable Mokete Litulo and Police Constable Mone respectively.
The charges of treason, attempted murder of Police Constable Moeketsi and its alternatives (risk to injury or death and aggravated assault) together with assault of Sub-Inspector Joel are against Kamoli, Nyakane, Metsing and Mochoboroane only.
According to the charge sheet the alleged offences occurred on August 29-30 2014 and they were committed in furtherance of shared and common purpose by the accused together with the late Tefo Hashatsi and Bulane Sechele together with Tumo Lekhooa as well as persons unknown to the prosecution.
The defence is in this case represented by Advocates Motiea Teele (KC), Letuka Molati, Lepeli Molapo, Kabelo Letuka and Napo Mafaesa while the prosecution is represented by Advocates Motene Rafoneke and Rethabile Setlojoane.
The case is before Justice ‘Maliepollo Makhetha.
The treason trial in Lesotho has its roots in a politically charged environment marked by military involvement in civilian governance. The alleged offenses date back to August 2014, when an attack on the Police Headquarters led to significant casualties and political fallout. This case highlights ongoing tensions between military and political entities in the country, reflecting broader issues of governance and accountability in Lesotho’s political landscape. The trial has drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused, including former government officials and military leaders.
