MASERU
The High Court continued hearing defence evidence in a murder case where several men from Sefikeng in Berea are accused of killing a traditional healer they suspected of witchcraft. Justice Tšeliso Mokoko presided over the proceedings as the third accused, Lesang Salemane, took the stand to give his side of the story.
The men are charged with the murder of Mokola Lebakeng, a traditional doctor who was allegedly attacked and killed by villagers who accused him of using witchcraft. Salemane told the court that on the night Lebakeng was killed, he was in the company of Thato Matlosa and Tšepo Khomolishoele, both of whom have already testified for the State.
He said the three were walking near the home of the deceased when they noticed people gathered there.
“We did not know what was happening at first,” Salemanesaid.
He told the court that after a short while, they heard someone shouting for another person to be stopped.
“Even though it was dark, I managed to see some of the people present. I saw the brother of the deceased and the first accused. I also recognized the voice that was calling out, it was that of Molefi Ramothamo, who one of my co-accused,” Salemane testified.
He said the situation was tense and confusing, adding that he did not take part in any assault or planning of the incident.
“There was shouting and movement all over the place. I got scared and left the scene,” he added.
Earlier this week, the court heard evidence from the first and second accused, Thokoane Maqelepo and MathibeliMaqelepo, who both denied any involvement in the killing.
Thokoane told the court he was at home when the incident happened, insisting that he had been falsely accused. Mathibeli also denied participating in the crime, claiming the accusations were based on rumours and personal grudges. Both accused persons argued that they were victims of false allegations spread by villagers who believed the deceased was responsible for mysterious illnesses and deaths in the community.
The killing of Mokola Lebakeng has left the Sefikengcommunity deeply divided. Some residents described the deceased as a humble man who helped people with traditional medicine. Others, however, claimed he used his powers for harmful purposes. The murder case has once again brought to light the growing problem of witchcraft-related violence in Lesotho’s rural areas, where superstition and fear often fuel mob justice.
Justice Mokoko listened carefully as Salemane gave his testimony and occasionally asked for clarification on some of his statements.
Meanwhile, the prosecution maintains that the accused men acted together when they attacked and killed Lebakeng. According to the prosecution, the accused believed the deceased was behind a series of unexplained misfortunes in the village.
The case is postponed to November 17 as the defence will be bringing its last witness to testify.
