MASERU-The long and emotionally charged trial of four police officers accused of murdering their colleague, Police Constable Mokalekale Khetheng, has once again been pushed forward, this time to November 4, 6, 10,11 and 13, 2025, as the defence battles to have its voice heard in a case that has gripped the nation for nearly a decade.
The latest postponement came as the High Court, presided over by Justice Charles Hungwe, continued hearing the defense’s side of the story. For Superintendent Thabo Tšukulu, the first accused and one of the four police officers standing trial, the struggle has been nothing short of distressing. Arrested eight years ago, Tšukulu maintains his innocence, but his fate, likethat of his three co-accused, remains hanging in the balance.
This week, the defence, led by Advocate Karabo Mohau (KC), began leading its witnesses after the prosecution closed its case. The court had earlier dismissed an application for discharge brought under Section 175 (3) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act of 1981. The section allows the court to acquit an accused person if there is no evidence linking them to the offence. But Justice Hungwe ruled otherwise, stating that the prosecution had made out a prima facie case requiring the accused to respond.
That decision set the stage for the defence to finally speak. And when it did, it was clear that its frustration had been building for years. Before calling their first witness, Advocate Mohau KC raised a serious concern, one that has now become central to the defense’s strategy. He told the court that they had made numerous unsuccessful attempts to access the occurrence books from the Leribe Police Station, where key records from the time of Khetheng’s disappearance and death are believed to be stored.
“These books,” he argued, “contain vital information that could clarify the movements of police officers during that period. Without them, our hands are tied.”
Despite multiple requests, the defence claims the prosecution has failed to produce the documents. Adv. Mohau told the court that the absence of these records has crippled their ability to present a complete and fair defence. “It has been eight long years since my client was arrested,” he said in a firm but weary tone. “This case has dragged on for far too long. Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Justice Hungwe listened carefully but urged the defence to proceed with the witnesses they could call, even as the issue of the missing documents remained unresolved.
The first witness to testify for the defence was Senior Superintendent ‘Malichaba Talasi, who in 2016 was stationed at Leribe Police Station. Her testimony focused on operational procedures and record-keeping at the station, giving the court insight into how documents such as the occurrence books were maintained, or, in some cases, misplaced. Her appearance marked the official beginning of the defence case, one that many observers say will determine the ultimate direction of the trial.
By the time proceedings reached midweek, Retired Superintendent Thabo Tšukulu himself took the stand as the third defence witness. Calm but clearly burdened by years of accusation, Tšukulu began giving evidence in his own defence. His testimony is expected to continue when the case resumes in November.
