Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Hlalefang Motinyane has accused Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane of possible “bias” in the ongoing treason case.
Chief Justice is the presiding judge in this matter and today was set for hearing the arguments of recusal application filed by the crown. The prosecution indicated on Monday that they are going
to move a recusal motion for the Chief Justice to recuse himself in this case. This was before the court could hear the application of the motion to quash the
indictment which was filed by Hon Selibe Mochoboroane, being the fifth accused in this matter. The DPP also wants the foreign judges to take over this
case as she accuses the local judges of impartiality alleging political conflict and judiciary. Representing the crown, Advocate Motene Rafoneke told the
court that they had not completed drafting the replying affidavits due to time constraints. He told the court that the DPP was in the process of finishing up
to draw the papers and will be ready before the end of the day. He wanted court guidance on whether the matter should proceed. The defence lawyer, Advocate
Napo Mafaesa said the matter will be heard when all submissions have been made. Meanwhile, Chief Justice took aim at the prosecution for not adhering to the “roadmap” which he had set on Monday.
He had ordered the prosecution to serve the defence team with their application by 1400hrs on Monday, but the defence complained that they were not served at that time but
1700hrs. The other accused persons, in this case, are former
Lesotho Defence Force Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, Litekano Nyakane, Motloheloa Ntsane and Leutsoa Motsielo. Also, the other accused who are still
at large is Hon Mothetjoa Metsing whom the court had issued a warrant for his arrest. The DPP had since told the court that she is working with the police to
have him arrested but indicated that the process is complex. They face myriad charges of treason, murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault. However, Ntsane and Motsieloa will not be tried
on charges relating to treason, attempted murder and aggravated assault. The defence team is made of Advocate Motiea Teele King’s Counsel (KC), Advocate Letuka Molati, Advocate Lepeli Molapo, Advocate Mafaesa and Advocate Kabelo Letuka. The case will be heard today.
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