Mohloai Mpesi
Five soldiers pleaded not guilty after being charged for the murder of three civilians in Mafeteng earlier this week.
Among the suspects is Captain Litekanyo Nyakane (38) who has been embroiled in a number of high profile cases that include inter alia, the murder of Lieutenant-General Maaparankoe Mahao, attempted murder in connection to the January 27, 2014 bombing of the former First Lady Maesiah Thabane nee Liabiloe Ramoholi’s Moshoeshoe II house.
The latter is also alleged in a high treason case for an attempt to overthrow the 2014’s Motsoahae Thomas Thabane led regime, a matter presided over by Justice Polo Banyane.
Nyakane who is indicted alongside Lance Corporal Khauhelo Makoae (35), Sebilo Sebilo (33), Private Tšepo Tlakeli (32), and Private Thebe Tšephe (37) is accused for killing Thabang Mosole, Monyake Matsie as well as Pakiso Ntala Letataba in April 7, 2012. Thus, being found in contravention of section 40 (1) Penal Code Act 2010 read with section 26 (1) and section 109 thereof.
“In that or upon 7th day of 2012, at or near Ha Motanyane in Mafeteng District, the said accused sharing common intention or purpose together to pursue an unlawful act or omission with the intention of causing the death of Thabang Mosole, the said accused did commit the offence of murder of the said Thabang Masole. Such death resulting from their act or omission, the accused did thereby contravene provisions of the code as aforesaid,” the charge sheet reads.
In the second and third counts, it is said “…that or upon 7th day of 2012, at or near Ha Motanyane in Mafeteng District, the said accused sharing common intention or purpose together to pursue an unlawful act or omission with the intention of causing the death of Monyake Matsie and Pakiso Ntala Letataba, the said accused did commit the offence of murder of the said Matsie and Letataba. Such death resulting from their act or omission, the accused did thereby contravene provisions of the code as aforesaid.”
The five soldiers are said to have sprayed the three civilians with bullets on their way from a local bar at Ha Motanyane in Mafeteng.
The matter before Justice Banyane has been deferred to December 13 for commencement of trial.
