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Abrahams returns!!

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Mohloai Mpesi

The Lead Crown in the high profile cases, Shaun Abrahams who resigned last week has returned to prosecute in the high profile cases.

Abrahams will make his return in the murder case of the late former Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Commander Maaparankoe Mahao.

This is according to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Advocate Hlalefang Motinyane-earlier this week-who told the court led by Zimbabwean-born Justice Charles Hungwe that the South African prosecutor who pulled out of the high profile cases will return this Monday to lead in the Mahao murder case.

The Mahao case which has the former Army Commander Tlali Kamoli incarcerated had more than three witnesses testifying in the court of law. Kamoli was accused alongside Sargent Lekhooa Moepi, Corporal Marasi ‘Moleli, Sargent Motsamai Fako, Corporal MotÅ¡oane Machai, Corporal Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Corporal TÅ¡itso Ramoholi, Captain Haleo Makara and Captain Litekanyo Nyakane.    

Abrahams told the court last week that he decided to make an official withdrawal from all the cases he was leading due to professional reasons that have not been resolved between him and his employer.

“Over the last year the Director of Public Prosecutions and I have attempted to resolve administrative and professional differences, which have remained unresolved despite numerous attempts at finding an amicable resolution thereto. 

“This resulted in me writing to the Director of Public Prosecutions on 18 August 2021 giving timeous notice of my intention to withdraw as Crown Counsel in all matters on brief, including CRI/T/0010/2018, with immediate effect on or about 1 September 2021. 

“As a result, on September 2, 2021 I filed a Notice of Withdrawal as Crown Counsel in casu in line with the provisions of the Superior Courts Practice Direction No. 2 of 2021, a copy of which attached for ease of reference,” he said.  

The cases include the matter in which four police officers have been charged for the murder of one of their own.

Sub-Inspector Mothibeli Mofolo, Deputy Commanding Officer Thabo TÅ¡ukulu, Superintendent Mabitle Matona and Sub-Inspector Haleokoe Taasoane for allegedly murdering Police Constable Mokalekale Khetheng, and the matter was on its trial stage and had four witnesses already testified before the court this year.  

His official withdrawal included a case in which former Army Commander Kamoli was incarcerated for the attempted murder and malicious damage to property for bombing three homes including that of former first lady, Maesiah Thabane at Moshoeshoe II.

The latter was charged alongside Major Pitso Ramoepane, Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, Corporal Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Sergeant Heqoa Malefane.

The DPP promised the court to return with an answer this week. On Monday she said Abrahams will lead in the Mahao matter which he already started.

“When I last addressed you my Lord, I took into my confidence and reiterated that there were issues that needed to be ironed-out between my office and the lead prosecutor, Advocate Shaun Abrahams.

“I had anticipated that he would be standing in today to represent the Crown in the matter. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and the bureaucratic hurdles that I did not anticipate, he will only be available to prosecute the matter on Monday,” she said.

“I have reconfirmed with Shaun and he has accepted to get back on brief and that we are at the final stage of our issue, so on Monday there will be no problem,” she said.

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