Maseru, Mar. 15 — The defence in a murder trial against some members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) who are accused of killing Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao has on Wednesday completed cross-examination of Marethabile Molibeli of Mokema Ha Lekete.
The cross-examination of the witness was today completed by Advocate Letuka Molati who was preceded by Adv. Napo Mafaesa.
Adv. Mafaesa accused the witness of telling the court a fabricated story when she said she saw what happened on June 25 2015 when the deceased in the matter was allegedly shot. He stated that the conduct of the witness on the day in question is not consistent with the character and emotions she displayed before court when giving her evidence in chief.
The lawyer said a normal person would not go about their business when they hear something unusual, as the witness claimed in her evidence, but would drop everything to check-out what is happening like other witnesses who testified before her did. He further told the witness that the witnesses who testified before her contradict her in various aspects.
When asked questions by Adv. Molati in cross-examination, the witness stated that she would not have a problem if a locus inspection is conducted at the scene. She agreed with the lawyer that it would be good for the court to see what she said before the Phumaphi Commission of Inquiry compared to what she said before the court.
She said there are certain parts of her statement to the police which she does not agree with adding that the police did not read the statement to her after writing it.
In her evidence in chief, the witness among others testified that she saw three vans intercepting a mini-truck, one parking in front, another one on the driver’s side while the other one remained at the back of the truck.
She stated that she saw men in dark clothes rough-turning and kicking a person on the ground. She added that the men dragged the person to one of the vans whereby they threw him at the back of the same vehicle which was uncovered, then covered it and left.
At least nine army members including Former Army Commander Tlali Kamoli stand accused of the murder and several other offences in the matter.
It is alleged that the deceased in the matter was shot and killed on June 25 2015 at Ha Lekete in Mokema.
The case is before Justice Charles Hungwe.
