Africa-Press – Lesotho. Senior Resident Magistrate Ts’eliso Bale of Qacha’s Nek Magistrate Court has released six members of a local policing committee from Ha Rapase on bail of M200 each, who are facing two counts of aggravated assault.
The accused are Moloi Rantsoti (32), Robert Sekilo (68), Lebohang Ntaba (51), Teboho Monyane (38), Mahlomola Makanya (65), and Mojela Sello (59).
On count one, the court heard that on July 25, 2025 at Ha Rapase, Ha Mokhele, the accused allegedly acted in common purpose and unlawfully assaulted Letuka Phomane.
The charge, brought under Section 31 (1) and (2)(a) of the Penal Code Act No. 6 of 2010, read with Section 109 (1), states that the group intended to cause serious bodily harm and permanent physical disability.
It is alleged that they struck the complainant with wooden fighting sticks, asbestos rods and sjamboks all over his body.
On count two, the accused allegedly committed a similar offence against the same victim on December 14, 2025 again contravening the same legal provisions.
Senior Crown Counsel Tsotang Maile strongly opposed bail, arguing that the accused pose a danger to the complainant, who lives alone in the same village.
“The victim is vulnerable and has been attacked repeatedly. The chief had already fined him over grazing in the accused’s field, yet the assaults continued even when the victim was willing to pay. If released, the accused may attack him again,” Advocate Maile told the court.
In their defence, the accused denied posing any threat, claiming instead that the complainant had been threatening them with death.
After hearing submissions from both sides, Senior Resident Magistrate Bale ruled that bail be granted under strict conditions.
The accused were ordered to deposit bail, attend all court remands, stand trial until finalisation and refrain from interfering with the complainant in any manner.
The case highlights growing concerns over the use of excessive force by community policing structures meant to protect, not harm, residents.
As the accused await their next court appearance on December 30, 2025 the matter remains a test of accountability within local security committees, while the complainant’s safety and the rule of law continue to be central to the court’s considerations.
