Courts · National
A soldier standing trial for the 2015 killing of former Lesotho Defence Force commander Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao has told the High Court that the Mokema operation was a planned arrest mission — with rehearsals, a structured team, and a rules-of-engagement briefing before deployment.
Tholoana Lesenya
Sergeant Lekhooa Moepi, one of nine army members standing trial alongside retired commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli for the murder of Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao, took the witness stand this week and described in detail how military teams were assembled and deployed to Mokema on 25 June 2015.
Moepi told the High Court that he was among soldiers selected by the late Captain Tefo Hashatsi to participate in the operation. Four separate teams were formed, each assigned specific roles.
The first team consisted of Captain Hashatsi, Captain Litekanyo Nyakane and Private Ramoholi. The second was made up of Sergeant Makara, Lance Corporal Seitlheko and Private Machai. Moepi said he was assigned to the third team alongside Corporal Fako. The fourth team consisted of Corporal Moleli and Private Halahala.
Hashatsi briefed all participating soldiers before they departed for Mokema, telling them that intelligence indicated Mahao would be travelling through the area that day in his half-truck. Moepi said preparations were not rushed — team members underwent rehearsals beforehand, and Hashatsi reminded them of the Rules of Engagement governing the use of force.
Captain Makara admitted he fired the shot that killed Mahao, but maintained his actions were justified — saying he discharged his firearm to protect Captain Hashatsi from immediate danger.
Moepi’s testimony is part of the defence’s broader effort to characterise the Mokema operation as a lawful arrest mission rather than a deliberate killing. Earlier in his evidence, he told the court that he had participated in several arrests of soldiers suspected of involvement in an alleged mutiny within the LDF in May 2015, including Lance Corporal Motene, Lance Corporal Makhabane, Brigadier Motoa, Colonel Kolisang and Colonel Nkeli.
Moepi told the court that those earlier arrests took place when the LDF was under the command of then Major General Motšomotšo, with Major General Poopa serving as deputy. He noted that Kamoli was on leave of absence when those arrests were carried out.
His testimony followed that of retired Major Mamatela Hokinyana, formerly of Makoanyane Military Hospital, who gave evidence about the final moments of Mahao’s life after he was brought to the hospital following the shooting.
Several other accused have already testified. Captain Haleeo Makara admitted he fired the shot that killed Mahao, but maintained his actions were justified — saying he discharged his firearm to protect Captain Hashatsi from what he believed was immediate danger. Captain Litekanyo Nyakane testified about vehicle movements before and during the incident. Corporal Molise Molieleng gave evidence about information supplied by an informant regarding the alleged mutiny plot, placing the operation in the context of heightened security concerns within the LDF.
Mahao was shot at Ha Lekete in Mokema on 25 June 2015. His death drew widespread controversy and international attention. The prosecution alleges the accused intentionally killed him. In addition to murder, the accused face charges of attempted murder, theft and unlawful damage to property.
The trial continues before Justice Charles Hungwe. Further defence witnesses are expected to testify in the coming days.
