MASERU
One of the men accused of killing a traditional healer in Sefikeng, Berea, has told the High Court that he had no part in the brutal attack that claimed the life of Mokola Lebakeng.
Testifying before the court this week, Thokoane Maqelepo firmly denied taking part in the murder, saying he neither planned nor participated in the incident. Maqelepo is among several men accused of killing Lebakeng after accusing him of witchcraft.
He told the court that the deceased was more than a neighbour, he was like a brother. “We grew up together,” he said. “I had no reason to harm him. He was a person I respected and cared about.” Maqelepo insisted that he was not among those who chased and attacked the deceased. He said he could never take part in an act of violence, explaining that he is sensitive to injuries and cannot even bear to watch others get hurt.
He further denied claims that he led the group that attacked and killed Lebakeng. According to him, he had no knowledge of any plan to harm the deceased and was surprised to find a crowd already gathered at the scene.
Giving his evidence in chief, Maqelepo recounted that he was on his way to visit his brother, Mathibeli Maqelepo, who is also one of the accused in the same case, when he came across a crowd of people near the home of the deceased’s brother.
He said when he arrived, the mob appeared angry and was pelting stones at the house. “They were shouting and throwing stones. I stopped and watched, not knowing what was going on,” he told the court. According to Maqelepo, the deceased later emerged from the house, running for his life. The angry crowd immediately chased after him. “People ran after him, but I did not follow them,” he said. “I remained behind with the deceased’s brother.”
He told the court that while others went after the deceased, he stayed to check on the family, particularly the children who were still inside the house as stones continued to hit the walls and windows. “I wanted to make sure the children were safe,” Maqelepo testified. “After things calmed down, I helped the deceased’s brother to see what damage had been done to the house.”
He added that after evaluating the damage, he and the deceased’s brother left the scene together and went home. He said he did not see what happened after the crowd chased the deceased and only learned later that the traditional healer had been killed.
The accused maintained throughout his testimony that he did not take part in the killing, nor did he encourage anyone to do so. He rejected any suggestion that he had a leadership role in the events that led to the death.Maqelepo told the court that accusations linking him to the attack were false and unfair.
“I am being blamed for something I did not do,” he said. “People assumed I was involved because I was there, but I never took part”. He also pointed out that his relationship with the deceased had always been peaceful and friendly. He said he had no quarrel with him and that rumours about witchcraft had nothing to do with him.
Throughout his testimony, Maqelepo appeared emotional as he described the events of that day. He told the court that the killing shocked him deeply and that he could not understand why anyone would believe he was involved.
“I was heartbroken when I heard that he was dead,” he said quietly. “He was someone I knew well. I would never harm him.” The court heard that the attack took place after community members accused the deceased of practicing witchcraft. It is alleged that the mob assaulted him before setting him on fire, resulting in his death.
He concluded his testimony by repeating his innocence and expressing confidence that the truth would clear his name.
The trial continues before Justice Tšeliso Mokoko with further witness testimonies expected.
