Africa-Press – Lesotho. Cross-examination of the current Army Commander Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela in a case in which nine army members, including former Army Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, are charged with the murder of Maaparankoe Mahao, has on Friday failed to continue as scheduled.
The proceedings could not go ahead as one of the defence lawyers Advocate Silas Ratau was not present and there was no one standing-in for him. The Court was informed that he had earlier said he has a funeral to attend but has not made any communication to any of his colleagues to stand-in for him, thus leaving his clients unrepresented.
The accused who are represented by Adv. Ratau, Litekanyo Nyakane and Haleokoe Makara, each told the court that they are not aware of the whereabouts of their legal representative. They stated that it will not be in their best interest that the case proceeds in his absence.
They pointed out that issues that are being discussed are complex and they rely on him to explain to them, therefore he has to be present. They thus requested that the case be postponed.
Lead Prosecutor in this matter Advocate Rethabile Setlojoane stated that he agrees with the accused that issues being discussed are complex therefore it is fair that each party is represented. He indicated that will help avoid irregularities in the future. He therefore acceded to the postponement.
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