MASERU — Four serving members of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) have been hauled before the courts for allegedly running a corrupt firearms licensing racket that helped famo gangstersillegally acquire guns.
The officers — Rantšo Makhakhe (48) of Qoaling Police Station, Reekelitsoe Motoena (32) from the Special Operations Unit (SOU), Mashalane Tsita (34) of Pitso Ground, and Pule Akhente (33) of Maseru Central Charge Office — appeared this week in the Maseru Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of fraud, abuse of office, and money laundering.
Presiding over the matter was Magistrate Nkhethoa Molapo, while Advocate Keketso Motikiappeared for the Crown.
According to police reports, the four officers allegedly manipulated the LMPS firearms licensing system, falsifying government documents to grant firearm licences to suspected gangsters — identified as Ramoloko Ntlapeli, Lehopotsejoang Mofundisi, Jeremane Motsoahae, and Lehlohonolo Khoabane — without conducting background checks.
Investigators say the officers were allegedly paid M10,000 per licence, with a further M150,000 cash “thank you” handed over once the firearms were secured. One of the weapons was reportedly sold for M70,000.
However, the scheme allegedly turned sour when Motoena, acting as middleman, pocketed most of the proceeds, giving each accomplice only M1,000 while using the rest to buy a Honda Fit, which has since been seized by police as suspected proceeds of crime.
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Money Laundering Charge
Motoena faces an additional count of money laundering. The charge sheet alleges that on 14 December 2024, near F & I Holdings in Maseru, he knowingly used funds derived from illegal activity to purchase the Honda Fit (engine no. LI3A4452548, VIN GE61350750).
The Crown contends that the officers, acting in concert between June and December 2024, “unlawfully and intentionally” created false Lesotho government documents — namely firearm approval forms — knowing they had no authority to do so.
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Courtroom Pleas and Bail Conditions
During bail proceedings, defence attorneys made emotional appeals on behalf of the accused:
• Adv Phosholi (for Makhakhe) cited his client’s role as a single father to three young children, the youngest being eight.
• Adv Tlohang (for Motoena) pointed to his clean record, cooperation with police, and said he was preparing to bury a parent.
• Adv Khumalo, appearing for Tsita and Akhente, argued that the officers had served the LMPS loyally and posed no flight risk.
While Adv Motiki did not oppose bail, she urged the court to impose financial conditions in light of the seriousness of the offences.
Magistrate Molapo granted bail of M1,000 per accused, with strict conditions:
• No contact with Crown witnesses;
• No interference with investigations;
• Mandatory attendance of all remands and trial proceedings.
The four are expected to reappear in court on 24 June 2025.
