Daughters accused of murder shift blame to uncle

MASERU

The High Court heard shocking accusations when the murder trial of sisters Nthei and ’Mamphoka Rasekoai took a dramatic turn. The two women are now pointing fingers at their uncle, Matlere Theko, whom they claim is the real culprit behind the crime.

The allegation surfaced during the cross-examination of Theko who appeared as a State witness. 

What began as a routine questioning quickly escalated into a tense exchange dripping with suspicion, family conflict and competing narratives about what truly happened in July 2022.

Representing the accused, Advocate Makhabane Masuphaconfronted Theko with a series of accusations allegedly made by the sisters. According to the defence, the accused claim that during the early stages of the police investigation, they overheard their uncle conspiring with officers to have them arrested.

The defence told the court that in August 2022, while investigators were still piecing together events surrounding the death of the deceased, accused ’Mamphoka allegedly heard Theko tell police officers that he would reward them if they arrested the sisters. This claim caused visible discomfort in the courtroom, with several spectators shifting in their seats as the defence continued to press the witness.

Advocate Masupha further told the court that the accused alleges another incident occurred in May 2023 when ’Mamphoka went to the police to report an assault she says was committed by Theko. According to her, the officers on duty allegedly responded by complaining that Theko had not yet paid them.

These allegations, while untested, cast a shadow of doubt and suspicion over the witness and ignited a dramatic confrontation that revealed deep-seated conflicts within the Rasekoai family. Throughout the cross-examination, Thekomaintained his composure, repeatedly denying the accusations. He insisted he had no reason to pay police officers, nor did he ever attempt to frame his nieces for their mother’s death.

But the defence was relentless, suggesting that the State’s witness had ulterior motives for testifying and accusing him of manipulating the investigation to point the blame away from himself. The court watched the exchange unfold with intense interest, as every response from the witness was met with sharp interrogation from the defence. 

What had seemed like a straightforward testimony quickly evolved into a heated battleground over truth, motive and credibility.

The prosecution, which began presenting its case only a day earlier, has already led six witnesses to the stand. Each is expected to shed light on the events surrounding the violent death of the deceased and the strained, complicated relationship within the Rasekoai family. 

While the State maintains that the two sisters are responsible for their mother’s killing, the defence appears determined to steer the court’s attention toward a different narrative, one where the deceased’s own brother could have played a more evil role.

The introduction of these accusations has added a dramatic twist to a case already marked by allegations of family conflict, mistreatment and disturbing details from the witnesses who have testified so far. 

The accusations against Theko have thrown open new questions in a trial that is becoming increasingly complex with each passing witness. The defence seems poised to argue that the investigation may have been influenced or misdirected, while the prosecution insists it has evidence solidly placing the two sisters at the centre of the crime.

As the trial resumes, all eyes will remain fixed on the witness stand, where every statement, accusation and denial will shape the court’s understanding of a murder that has shaken an entire family and captured the attention of the nation. The proceedings continue this week as the State prepares to call more witnesses, hoping to strengthen its case amidst a storm of counter-accusations and shifting narratives.