Treason Trial Cross-Examination Pushed to May as Witness Returns Briefly to the Stand

MASERU — The High Court has scheduled the continuation of cross-examination of state witness Sergeant Shaabe Thamae in the ongoing treason trial for 26 to 29 May 2026, after proceedings this week could not be concluded and the matter was postponed once more.

Thamae, whose testimony is central to the prosecution’s case, first took the stand in February 2025 before his cross-examination was halted when he fell ill. He returned briefly to the witness stand this week to continue giving evidence, but proceedings again could not be finalised, necessitating the fresh postponement.

The latest adjournment also follows a successful application by defence advocates Napo Mafaesa and Lepeli Molapo to defer the cross-examination of another state witness, Sergeant Kamoho Mahanetsa. The defence argued they required additional time to obtain an expert report deemed crucial to their case, and the court granted the request.

In his testimony, Thamae detailed events surrounding the alleged attacks of 29 and 30 August 2014 at the Police Headquarters in Maseru. He told the court that on the day in question he was on duty in the radio room alongside the late Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko and Police Constable Mokete Litulo. He recounted how the situation rapidly escalated when armed members of the army allegedly stormed the premises, describing the moment Ramahloko was shot and sustained fatal injuries amid the chaos as officers attempted to respond to the unfolding attack.

Thamae also testified that he was later forced, under duress, to transport the body of the deceased to the mortuary. His account painted a picture of confusion and fear as police officers found themselves under siege during the operation.

The case has drawn significant public attention owing to the seniority of the individuals among the accused. Those standing trial 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.

The charges common to all accused include the murder of Sub-Inspector Ramahloko and the attempted murder of Letsekang Mothibeli, along with related alternative counts, as well as aggravated assault against Sergeant Mahanetsa, Lance Sergeant Thabiso Kopa, Lance Sergeant Thamae, Police Constable Litulo and Police Constable Mone. Specific charges of treason, the attempted murder of Police Constable Moeketsi and the assault of Sub-Inspector Joel are directed at Kamoli, Nyakane, Metsing and Mochoboroane. The prosecution contends that all offences were committed in furtherance of a shared common purpose, with the accused acting in concert with the late Tefo Hashatsi, Bulane Sechele, Tumo Lekhooa and others unknown to the state.

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. The matter is presided over by Justice Maliepollo Makhetha.

When proceedings resume at the end of May, the cross-examination of Thamae is expected to be among the most consequential phases of the trial yet, as the defence seeks to challenge his account of the 2014 events while the prosecution works to reinforce its case.