Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Hlalefang Motinyane has appointed the South African based Advocate Gareth Lappen to prosecute the murder case involving
former Prime Minister Hon Thomas Thabane and his wife ‘Maesaiah Thabane. This Advocate Lappen told the High Court yesterday. Last month, the DPP appeared along Advocate Motene Rafoneke as the crown
counsels in this matter. Advocate Lappen is not new in prosecuting the high profile cases as he was also involved with the prosecution of Lehlohonolo Scott who has been given
a life sentence. Thabane and his wife face murder charges of his former wife, Lipolelo Thabane who was gunned in the outskirts of Maseru at Ha-Masana on June 14, 2017
few days before he was sworn as a Prime Minister. They are charged alongside Rethabile Mokete popularly known as Mosotho Chakela, now deceased, Seabata Lieta a Mosotho male residing in Mangaung, South
Africa (SA) and Macheli Koeshe, Molefi Matima a Mosotho male residing in Seboke SA, also deceased face charges of murder and attempted murder of Thabane’s wife
They also face charges of attempted murder of Thato Sibolla who was travelling with the deceased at that fateful day, as well as malicious damage to property.
Thabane couple is only accused who have made court appearances while the other co-accused whereabouts are unbeknown to court. Hon Thabane’s lawyer, Attorney Qalehang Letsika said they will make it
easy for the court to deal with this matter. Equally, the lead prosecutor promised cooperation with the defence lawyers. Judge Molefi Makara reiterated that the case ought to be dealt with
quickly. “It should be completed soonest,” he said. Attorney Letsika impressed that the matter needs to be heard expeditiously so that come September, the accused (Thabane couple) know their
fate as they are politicians and they would need to contest without a cloud hanging over their heads. Mrs Thabane is represented by Advocate Salemane Phafane King’s Counsel
(KC). The accused had not pleaded. The will be heard from July 26 where it is expected that the pre-trial conference (PTC) will take place.
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