Judge Hands Down 40-Year Sentence in Brutal Killing of Eight-Year-Old

MASERU-A High Court judge has delivered a firm warning that crimes committed against women and children must be met with severe punishment, as he sentenced two people to lengthy prison terms for the brutal murder of an eight-year-old boy.

Justice Tšeliso Mokoko made the remarks this week while sentencing Motšelisi Maoeng, a domestic worker, and her boyfriend John Lefoka for the murder of Liteboho Sekokotoana. The tragic incident occurred on April 7, 2025, at the Sekokotoana family home in Ha Leqele, Maseru.

The court found that the two accused wrapped the young boy with sellotape during a violent attempt to obtain a bank card pin number, causing him to suffocate to death.

In delivering the sentence, Justice Mokoko emphasized that women and children are among the most vulnerable members of society and that the courts have a duty to protect them through firm and decisive punishment.

“Those who commit offences against women and children deserve severe punishment,” the judge said, adding that the growing level of violence against these groups is deeply troubling.

The accused were found guilty of murder, theft and assault. The court heard that the pair not only killed the young boy but also stole a number of items from the Sekokotoana household. These included groceries, kitchen utensils, clothing, a cellphone, money and a bank card belonging to the family.

The court further heard that the accused demanded the pin number for the bank card from the young victim. When he could not provide the information they were seeking, they wrapped sellotape around him, restricting his breathing and ultimately causing his death.

The tragedy did not end there. Evidence before the court also revealed that the accused assaulted the deceased’s older brother, 15-year-old Lereko Sekokotoana, during the same incident.

According to the evidence, the accused demanded that Lereko also reveal the pin number for the bank card. When he could not provide it, they attacked him and attempted to wrap him with sellotape as well.

However, the teenager managed to fight back and escape from the attackers. The court heard that the accused were under the influence of alcohol at the time, which may have contributed to their inability to overpower him.

His escape ultimately allowed authorities to piece together what had happened inside the house that day.

Medical evidence presented before the court confirmed the cause of death. A forensic pathologist testified that Liteboho died from smothering, which occurred when his breathing was obstructed.

The medical findings supported the prosecution’s case that the child suffocated after being tightly wrapped with sellotape by the accused.

While delivering judgment, Justice Mokoko said the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie case against the two accused persons.

He further stated that the evidence clearly demonstrated that Maoeng and Lefoka acted together with a common purpose when committing the crimes.

“The court is satisfied that the accused shared a common intention and acted together when they committed these offences,” the judge said.

He added that the two must have foreseen the serious danger their actions posed to the young boy.

“The court is of the view that when they wrapped the deceased with the sellotape, they foresaw the risk of death occurring. However, they recklessly continued and gambled with the life of the deceased,” he said.

Justice Mokoko also used the opportunity to address broader concerns about the public’s confidence in the criminal justice system.

He noted that there is growing concern within society about violent crimes, particularly those targeting women and children. According to the judge, the courts have a responsibility to ensure that justice is served and that the public maintains trust in the system.

“The court has taken judicial notice that the trust of society in the criminal justice system has diminished,” he said.

He added that it is the responsibility of the courts to help restore that trust by ensuring that offenders who commit serious crimes receive appropriate punishment.

“Through its sentences, the court must send a clear message to potential offenders and to the community that offences against women and children will face the full force of the law,” Justice Mokoko said.

After considering the seriousness of the offences, the court sentenced both Maoeng and Lefoka to 40 years imprisonment for murder.

In addition to the murder sentence, the court imposed five years imprisonment for theft and a further one-year jail term for assault.

However, the sentences will run concurrently, meaning the two will effectively serve the 40-year imprisonment term.

The case attracted attention due to the shocking nature of the crime, particularly because Maoeng had been employed by the Sekokotoana family as a domestic worker. Her position within the household had placed her in a position of trust.

The judge’s remarks highlighted the disturbing betrayal involved in the crime, as the victim and his family had allowed Maoeng into their home as an employee.

The prosecution in the matter was led by Advocate Thato Lepheane.

The accused persons were represented by Advocates Pelele Ntori and Nketsi Makhera.

With the sentencing now concluded, the case brings some measure of closure to a deeply painful tragedy that claimed the life of a young child and left a family grieving.

Justice Mokoko’s strong remarks underscored the court’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that those who commit violent crimes face serious consequences under the law.