Kamoli trial: defence to continue case as Makara cross-examination resumes

The defence in the murder trial of nine soldiers, including former army commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, will continue presenting its case before the High Court on June 08, 2026.

The case is before Justice Charles Hungwe, where cross-examination of Captain Haleeo Makara is expected to continue.

Captain Makara, one of the accused in the matter, told the court that he was part of the military team sent to Mokema on June 25, 2015 to arrest former army commander Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao. He admitted during his testimony that he was the one who shot Mahao during the operation.

The defence maintains that the operation was lawful and aimed at suppressing mutiny within the army. However, the prosecution argues that Mahao’s killing was a planned murder.

According to the defence, Mahao was armed at the time of the incident and posed a danger to the leader of the arrest team, the late Captain Tefo Hashatsi. The court heard that Hashatsi repeatedly instructed Mahao to get out of his vehicle so he could be arrested.

The defence further argued that members of the arrest team acted to protect Hashatsi from what they believed was a threat from Mahao.

Another accused soldier, Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, has already testified before the court. In his evidence, he admitted being at Ha Lekete in Mokema though he did not commit any crime on the fateful day.

Mahao was fatally shot on June 25, 2015, in a case that continues to attract national attention more than a decade later.