Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lesotho Times
Published on 2024-04-18 17:56:50
Former Minister of Police and Public Safety, Lepota Sekola, is currently facing stock theft charges for allegedly importing cattle from South Africa without the proper documentation. These charges were brought against him, and he appeared before the Senior Resident Magistrate, Thamae Thamae, at the Maseru Magistrates Court with Advocate Matiase Chopho as the prosecutor.
Sekola, a former member of the All Basotho Convention (ABC), won the Makhaleng constituency under the ABC banner in 2017. He was then appointed as the Minister of Police and Public Safety in June 2021 by the Prime Minister at that time, Moeketsi Majoro. Prior to this, he had served as the deputy Minister of Water. In 2022, he made the decision to leave the ABC and join the Democratic Congress party.
The charge sheet against Sekola states that on the 15th of March, he was found in possession of two cattle from South Africa without the necessary permit issued by the principal veterinary officer. He is also accused of unlawfully and intentionally importing livestock from South Africa into Lesotho without crossing at the prescribed border posts.
During the court proceedings, Sekola, dressed in a maroon three-piece suit, appeared calm as the charges were read to him. He acknowledged that he understood the charges after they were explained to him by the Magistrate. He was then informed of his rights to bail and to choose his own lawyer.
Sekola’s lawyer, Adv Souru Malabulabu, applied for his client to be granted bail, citing Sekola’s citizenship, family, and businesses in Lesotho as reasons for his eligibility. The prosecutor did not oppose the bail application, and Magistrate Thamae granted Sekola free bail on the condition that he attends all remands, does not interfere with state witnesses or police investigations, and sees the trial through to its conclusion.
The Magistrate also set a date for Sekola to reappear in court on the 13th of May, 2024. This case has garnered attention due to Sekola’s former position as a Minister and his current legal troubles. It remains to be seen how the case will unfold as it progresses through the legal system.
Overall, the situation highlights the importance of adhering to proper documentation and procedures when importing livestock, as well as the legal ramifications of not doing so. Sekola’s case serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from not following the necessary protocols in such matters.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times
