Prosecution Ends, Defence Seeks Discharge

MASERU 

The prosecution has officially closed its case in the high-profile trial of nine former army members, including Army Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, who are charged with the murder of former Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Commander Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao.

This week, prosecutors announced they had completed their case after calling 40 witnesses to the stand since the trial began.

The final witness was Inspector Lebohang Motanya, a police officer who formed part of the team that investigated the 2015 killing of Mahao.

He testified after the emotional appearance of Mahao’swidow, ’Mamphanya Mahao, who told the court that her family lost trust in the government following the death of her husband.

With the state now done presenting its evidence, the focus shifts to the defence. Lawyers of the nine accused immediately applied for their clients to be discharged, arguing that the prosecution has failed to prove its case.

The court has set timelines for both sides to file and exchange written arguments on the discharge application before a ruling is made. The trial, which has lasted years, stems from the June 2015 shooting of General Mahao, a killing that shocked the nation and drew international condemnation.

His death led to a regional inquiry by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which recommended action against those involved.

Now, nearly a decade later, the High Court is moving closer to deciding whether the case will proceed to the defence stage or if some, or all, of the accused will be discharged.