Africa-Press – Lesotho. The first accused in the bombs cases, retired Commander of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli has on Wednesday taken unpopular
stance and took a swipe at a presiding judge, Justice Charles Hungwe. He is accused along with Major Pitso Ramoepana, Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, Corporal Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Sergeant Heqoa Malefane.
Former LDF Commander accused Judge Hungwe of perceived bias towards him. Reflecting on his first encounter with the Judge, he said he was taken aback when he told him that “I am going to deal with your attitude”.
“What I want to put right on what the court had said, is that there has never been a time where this honourable court had asked me to
look for another lawyer except the present contrary and I refused such,” he fumed saying this is contrary to what the court had said about him. “There is
nowhere this issue will appear in the record,” he made emphasis adding “that is not true”. “I don’t see this honourable court dispensing justice fairly
towards me as the prosecutor [Advocate Abrahams] had once said that he wants me to get capital punishment although it was not in this case but in another case.
I am therefore convinced that the court would not accord me justice based on the testimonies out before it. “I want His Lordship to know from the bottom of my heart
that I don’t have confidence in him as what transpired today affirms what he said to me in my first encounter with him that he is going to deal with my
attitude,” he charged. Retired LDF Commander further said it would be “unfortunate if through hand of Justice, Hungwe or his decision” will endorse Advocate Abrahams
wish that he be dead. He was seemingly irked by the fact that the court did not ask him about the whereabouts of his lawyer, Advocate Letuka Molati who was
absent in court and the court did not receive any communication about his absence and said it will continue regardless. The fifth accused also apprised court that what he had
established is that his legal representative was receiving a medical attention. Reacting to these submissions, Justice Hungwe said “Thank you for your speech, the record will reflect you did not refuse.
” They face 17 counts that have alternatives ranging from attempted murder, risk of injury or death, aggravated assault, unlawful damage to property,
Retired Lieutenant General Kamoli also faces extra charges that include issuing of clearly and/or manifestly illegal superior order(s), obstruction of the course of justice.
According to the charge sheet, they are guilty of contravening section 22(1) read with sections 22(2), 26(1) and 109 of the Penal Code, 2010 Act No. 6 of 2012.
“In that upon or about the period 26 to 27 January 2014, and at or near Moshoeshoe II and/or at or near Ratjomose and/or near places unknown
to the Crown, in the district of Maseru, the accused, and: Tefo Hashatsi (now deceased) and persons unknown to the Crown, in furtherance of a shared common
intention and/or common purpose, did unlawfully and intentionally attempt to cause the death of Liabiloe Ramoholi, by detonating explosives and/or discharging
of Multi Grenade Launchers at the residence of Liabiloe Ramoholi…”, reads the charge sheet. The accused have not yet pleaded. They are also accused of detonating explosive devices and/or
discharging Multi Grenade Launchers at the residence of the then Commissioner of Police Khothatso Tšooana. The crown is represented by lead prosecutor Advocate Shaun
Abrahams and is assisted by Advocate Motene Rafoneke and Advocate Khatebe. The defence counsels are Advocate Letuka Molati, Advocate Napo Mafaesa and Advocate Kabelo Letuka. The case continues.
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