MASERU-One of the defence lawyers in the Maaparankoe Mahao murder trial has told the court that the 2015 military operation to suppress alleged mutiny was ordered by the late Major General Khoantle Motšomotšo, not former army commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli.
Advocate Letuka Molati made this statement while cross-examining Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, who testified as the first defence witness after the court dismissed an application by the accused for their discharge.
Adv. Molati told the court that when the military operation began, the Lesotho Defence Force was under the command of Maj. Gen. Motšomotšo, and not Kamoli.
He said at the time the deceased was due to be arrested, Kamoli had only just returned to office after being away for some days.
According to the defence, when Kamoli resumed duty, he addressed officers and made it clear that he would not interfere with the operation that had already been launched by Motšomotšo. Adv. Molati said Kamoli announced that Motšomotšo would continue to lead the operation until its completion.
He added that this address was made publicly and was recorded by the army’s Public Affairs office.
Adv. Molati further told the court that in both 2015 and 2016, affidavits filed by the army in cases involving arrested and detained soldiers were signed by Motšomotšo, showing that he had full control and knowledge of the operations at the time.
The accused, nine members of the Lesotho Defence Force and retired army commander Lt. Gen. Tlali Kamoli, are charged with the murder of former army commander Maaparankoe Mahao.
They are accused of shooting and killing Mahao on 25 June 2015 at Ha Lekete in Mokema. They are also facing additional charges, including attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The trial is continuing before Justice Charles Hungwe.
