Nyakane and Hashatsi Were Furious When Told of Ramahloko Shooting, Court Hears

MASERU — The High Court this week heard that Captain Litekanyo Nyakane and the late Captain Tefo Hashatsi reacted with fury when informed that Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko had been shot during the August 2014 attack on the Police Headquarters in Maseru, with the defence suggesting that both men had given explicit instructions against the use of violence.

The revelations emerged during ongoing cross-examination of Sergeant Shaabe Thamae, a state witness in the high-profile treason trial involving prominent political figures and senior military officers.

Through Advocate Kabelo Letuka, counsel for Nyakane, the court was told that Nyakane was present at the Police Headquarters when the attack unfolded. According to the defence version put to the witness, Nyakane became visibly furious upon learning that Ramahloko had been shot, questioning why lethal force had been used despite his earlier instructions that confrontation should be avoided. Letuka suggested to the witness that Nyakane had explicitly told members of the army not to engage in any violent confrontation, but that he was later informed by other soldiers that the deceased had been “fighting,” which allegedly led to him being shot.

The defence further indicated that Nyakane was shown a pistol at the scene, which he was told belonged to Ramahloko. Following the shooting, he is said to have instructed soldiers to remove the injured officer from the building so that he could be rushed to hospital.

The court also heard that Nyakane contacted Hashatsi by telephone to inform him of the shooting. Hashatsi, the defence submitted, reacted angrily and questioned how such an incident could have occurred when clear instructions had been issued. Shortly after the call, Hashatsi reportedly proceeded to the Police Headquarters accompanied by other army personnel, and upon observing that several police officers had sustained injuries, directed that they be transported to hospital for medical treatment.

Sergeant Thamae returned to the witness stand this week to conclude testimony that had been interrupted last year due to illness. His return follows a successful application by the defence to defer the cross-examination of another state witness, Sergeant Kamoho Mahanetsa. The application, brought by Advocates Napo Mafaesa and Lepeli Molapo, sought time to secure an expert report deemed necessary for the defence’s case. The court granted the request, allowing proceedings involving Thamae to continue in the interim.

In his evidence, Thamae recounted that on the day of the incident he had been on duty in the radio room at the Police Headquarters alongside Ramahloko and Police Constable Mokete Litulo. He provided a detailed account of the events leading up to the fatal shooting and the chaos that reportedly ensued during the attack.

The incident forms part of a broader case in which several high-ranking individuals stand accused of serious offences arising from the events of 29 and 30 August 2014. The accused include Lesotho Congress for Democracy leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing, Movement for Economic Change leader and current Minister of Health Selibe Mochoboroane, former army commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, and army members Litekanyo Nyakane, Motloheloa Ntsane and Leutsoa Motsieloa. All have pleaded not guilty.

They face charges including treason, murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and acts risking injury or death. Among the charges common to all accused are the murder of Sub-Inspector Ramahloko and the attempted murder of Letsekang Mothibeli, along with alternative counts. Additional allegations of aggravated assault involve Sergeant Mahanetsa, Lance Sergeant Thabisa Kopa, Lance Sergeant Thamae, Police Constable Litulo and Police Constable Mone. Charges of treason and the attempted murder of Police Constable Moeketsi are directed specifically at Kamoli, Nyakane, Metsing and Mochoboroane, and include allegations of assault against Sub-Inspector Joel.

According to the charge sheet, the offences are alleged to have been committed in furtherance of a shared common purpose among the accused, acting in concert with the late Tefo Hashatsi, Bulane Sechele, Tumo Lekhooa and others unknown to the prosecution.

The defence team comprises Advocates Motiea Teele KC, Letuka Molati, Lepeli Molapo, Kabelo Letuka and Napo Mafaesa. The prosecution is led by Advocates Motene Rafoneke and Rethabile Setlojoane. Proceedings continue before Justice Maliepollo Makhetha, with further cross-examination expected as the case progresses.