Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lesotho Times
Published on 2024-04-11 12:45:22
Former Police Commissioner, Kizito Mhlakaza, is facing potential jail time for contempt of court in a case related to the 25 June 2015 murder of former army commander, Maaparankoe Mahao. Lead prosecutor Rethabile Setlojoane informed the court that Mr. Mhlakaza has refused to testify against former army commander Tlali Kamoli and eight other soldiers accused in the case, despite being served with a subpoena.
The prosecutor had initially planned to call Mr. Mhlakaza as a witness following the testimony of another former Police Commissioner, Khothatso Tšooana. However, in light of Mr. Mhlakaza’s refusal to cooperate, it was necessary to call in another former Police Commissioner, Holomo Molibeli, to provide testimony.
Mr. Mhlakaza served as Commissioner from 2012 to 2014 during a tumultuous period of political unrest that ultimately led to the death of Lieutenant General Mahao. Mr. Tšooana succeeded him as Commissioner from 2014 to 2015, while Mr. Molibeli held the position from 2017 to 2024.
After Mr. Tšooana completed his testimony, a short adjournment was requested to bring in Mr. Molibeli as a witness. During his testimony, Mr. Molibeli highlighted the tension and lack of cooperation between the police and army during his time as acting Commissioner in 2015. He noted the strained relationship between the two institutions, which hindered collaborative efforts to combat crime.
Mr. Molibeli recounted an incident where the army refused to provide the police with guns allegedly used in a shooting incident in 2012. He mentioned that improvements in cooperation between the army and police began in 2017 under the leadership of Lt-Gen (Khoantle) Motšomotšo, which ultimately led to the current legal proceedings.
The case will continue with Mr. Molibeli further detailing the events surrounding Lt-Gen Mahao’s death on June 25, 2015. Lt-Gen Mahao was fatally shot by his colleagues at Ha Lekete, Mokema in Maseru. Alongside Tlali Kamoli, several other individuals are also facing charges related to the murder, including Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, Captain Haleo Makara, Sergeant Lekhooa Moepi, Sergeant Motsamai Fako, Corporals Marasi ‘Moleli, Motšoane Machai, Mohlalefi Seitlheko, and Tšitso Ramoholi.
The refusal of Mr. Mhlakaza to testify has added a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings, with the prosecution considering seeking a warrant for his arrest. The testimony provided by Mr. Molibeli sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in Lesotho during a period of instability and conflict between the police and army. Continual cooperation and trust between these institutions are crucial for maintaining the rule of law and ensuring justice for victims of crime.
Read the original article on Lesotho Times
