MASERU-Dramatic testimony unfolded in the High Court this week as a state witness told the court that Tebello Koelane allegedly pulled out his firearm first during a heated confrontation moments before he was shot and killed by Sello Mabothile in 2020.
The revelation came during the ongoing murder trial of Mabothile, who stands accused of fatally shooting Koelane following an argument at a gathering attended by members of a local association.
Lehlohonolo Lesala, the first state witness, gave a detailed account of the events that led to the fatal shooting. Speaking calmly in court, Lesala said the incident happened in broad daylight while several people were present.
According to his testimony, Mabothile arrived at the premises looking for Koelane. The two men soon confronted each other, and tensions quickly escalated.
Lesala told the court that both he and another man, Thabiso Mpeoa, witnessed the exchange.
“There was a confrontation between them,” Lesala said.
What began as an argument soon turned physical. The witness testified that Koelane slapped Mabothile across the face during the heated exchange.
After being slapped, Mabothile allegedly moved his hand towards his waist. However, before he could draw his weapon, Koelane reportedly pulled out his firearm first and pointed it at the accused.
While holding the gun, Koelane allegedly accused Mabothile of pursuing him over claims that he had an affair with Mabothile’s wife.
Lesala said Koelane addressed Mpeoa while still pointing the weapon at the accused, explaining that Mabothile had been searching for him in different places.
“He said the accused had been looking for him all over,” Lesala testified. “He also said people had tried to reconcile them, but the accused did not seem to understand.”
The situation deteriorated further within seconds.
According to Lesala, Mabothile suddenly slapped Koelane’s hand, the one holding the firearm, causing him to lose control of the weapon. Mabothile then pulled out his own gun.
“He shot him twice,” the witness told the court.
Koelane fell to the ground immediately after the first shots.
But the shooting did not stop there.
Lesala said Mabothile continued firing as he moved around the fallen man, discharging approximately four to five more shots until his gun ran out of bullets.
The courtroom fell silent as the witness described what happened next.
He testified that Mabothile then picked up Koelane’s firearm, which had fallen a short distance away, about three paces from where he lay, and allegedly used it to fire two to three additional shots at the already wounded man.
By this point, Koelane was lying helpless on the ground.
The witness indicated that after the shooting, Mabothile left the scene carrying both firearms, his own and that of the deceased.
However, the court heard that Koelane’s firearm was later discovered outside the premises by a security guard, suggesting it had been discarded.
Throughout the testimony, Lesala maintained that he witnessed the entire sequence of events unfold at close range.
The evidence forms a crucial part of the prosecution’s case as it attempts to reconstruct the moments leading to Koelane’s death and determine whether Mabothile acted in self-defence or used excessive and unlawful force.
The defence is expected to challenge parts of the witness’s account as the trial progresses.
Mabothile is represented by Advocate Motiea Teele (KC), while the prosecution is led by Advocate Tsebiso Fuma.
The matter is being heard before Justice ‘Mabatšoeneng Hlaele.
Legal observers say the testimony regarding who drew a firearm first could become central to the case, as it may influence arguments around intent, provocation and possible self-defence.
