Mohale FM A lawyer representing former Lesotho Defence Force commander, Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, has told the High Court that the 2015 operation to suppress mutiny was ordered by the then acting army commander, the late Major General Khoantle Motšomotšo, and not by his client, Kamoli.
Advocate Letuka Molati made the assertion while questioning Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, the first defence witness, following his evidence-in-chief. This was after an application for the discharge of the accused failed.
Advocate Molati told the court that when the operation began, the Lesotho Defence Force was under the command of Major General Motšomotšo, adding that Kamoli was not the army commander at that time. He said Kamoli had only returned to office a few days before the fatal shooting of Lt-Gen Maaparankoe Mahao.
According to the defence, upon his return, Kamoli informed officers that he would not interfere with the ongoing operation and that Major General Motšomotšo would continue to oversee it to its conclusion. Advocate Molati added that this address was made publicly and was recorded by the army’s Public Affairs office.
He further indicated that during 2015 and 2016, affidavits filed by the army in cases involving arrested and detained soldiers were signed by Motšomotšo, whom he said had full knowledge of the operations at the time.
Nine members of the Lesotho Defence Force are accused of shooting and killing Maaparankoe Mahao on the 25th of June 2015 at Ha Lekete in Mokema. They also face additional charges, including attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The matter continues before High Court Judge Justice Charles Hungwe.
