A state witness in the High Court treason trial of former Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing and other prominent accused has testified that police officers fled to South Africa in fear after armed attacks targeted police installations in Maseru on the night of 29 August 2014.
BY THOLOANA LESENYA
Sergeant Mokete Litulo told the court that fear and uncertainty gripped members of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) after armed attacks targeted key police facilities, including Police Headquarters in Maseru.
Giving evidence before Justice ‘Maliepollo Makhetha, Litulo recounted how some officers abandoned the country shortly after the attacks, fearing for their lives amid escalating tensions between security institutions.
According to the witness, one of the officers stationed at Police Headquarters during the attacks, Sergeant Shaabe Thamae, contacted him after fleeing to South Africa. Litulo testified that Thamae informed him he had crossed the border to seek safety following the events that unfolded on the night of 29 August and the early hours of 30 August 2014. Hearing that fellow officers were fleeing heightened his own fears.
He told the court that while asleep at his home one night, he was startled by what sounded like footsteps outside his house. The incident left him frightened and convinced that he too could be in danger.
“I heard footsteps outside my house during the night while I was sleeping.”
Although he did not specify who he believed was outside, he said the experience was enough to prompt him to leave Lesotho.
Shortly afterwards, he crossed into South Africa and travelled to Ladybrand, where he found several other Lesotho police officers who had also fled the country. The witness described the atmosphere among the officers as one marked by fear and uncertainty, with many unsure about what would happen next and whether it was safe to return home.
Litulo testified that shortly after arriving in South Africa, a meeting was convened involving the officers who had sought refuge there. During that gathering, they were informed that arrangements were being made for their return to Lesotho.
The witness said they eventually returned home and reported to Police Headquarters in Maseru. Upon arrival, a police parade was held where officers were addressed by their superiors. Following the parade, they were instructed to return to their homes and await further directions. Officers remained at home for a period before eventually receiving instructions to resume their official duties.
His testimony forms part of the prosecution’s efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the events of August 2014, which remain among the most controversial and politically significant episodes in Lesotho’s recent history.
The case before the High Court centres on allegations arising from attacks on police stations and police personnel during a period of severe political and security instability. Among the accused are Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing, Movement for Economic Change (MEC) leader and current Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Selibe Mochoboroane, former Lesotho Defence Force Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, Litekanyo Nyakane, Motloheloa Ntsane and Leutsoa Motsieloa.
The accused face multiple charges and alternative counts, including treason, murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and conduct creating a risk of injury or death. All have pleaded not guilty.
Court records indicate that one of the central charges involves the murder of Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko. The accused are also charged with the attempted murder of Letsekang Mothibeli, together with alternative counts relating to risk of injury or death and aggravated assault.
Additional charges concern alleged assaults against several police officers, including Sergeant Mahanetse, Lance Sergeant Thabisa Kopa, Lance Sergeant Shaabe Thamae, Police Constable Mokete Litulo and Police Constable Mone. Some charges are directed at all accused persons, while others apply only to specific individuals.
The charges of treason, the attempted murder of Police Constable Moeketsi and related alternative counts, together with the alleged assault of Sub-Inspector Joel, are directed specifically at Kamoli, Nyakane, Metsing and Mochoboroane. The prosecution alleges that the accused acted in furtherance of a shared and common purpose. The charge sheet further refers to the late Tefo Hashatsi and Bulane Sechele, as well as Tumo Lekhooa and other individuals whose identities remain unknown to prosecutors.
The lengthy proceedings have attracted significant public interest due to the stature of the accused and the historical importance of the events under examination. The case continues to revisit one of the most turbulent periods in Lesotho’s political and security landscape, when tensions between elements of the police and military generated widespread concern both locally and internationally.
Litulo’s evidence offered a glimpse into the fear experienced by police officers following the attacks, with some believing that leaving the country was the safest option available at the time.
The defence team comprises Advocates Motiea Teele KC, Letuka Molati, Lepeli Molapo, Kabelo Letuka and Napo Mafaesa. The prosecution is represented by Advocates Motene Rafoneke and Rethabile Setlojoane.
The trial continues before Justice ‘Maliepollo Makhetha, with more witnesses expected to testify as the court seeks to establish the facts surrounding the events that continue to shape Lesotho’s legal and political discourse more than a decade later.
