MP Thabiso Lekitla pushes for judge’s recusal in the Appeal Court

Murder-accused Democratic Congress legislator, Thabiso Lekitla, has stepped up his efforts to have Justice ’Mabatsoeneng Hlaele removed from presiding over his case, accusing her of bias and inappropriate conduct during court proceedings last year.
Through his lawyer, Advocate Motiea Teele KC, Lekitla told the Court of Appeal that Justice Hlaele made unfair remarks when his defence team applied for a trial postponement in September 2024. He argued that the judge appeared to have already concluded that Lekitla was deliberately delaying the case.
Justice Hlaele had earlier dismissed the recusal request, describing Lekitla as “overly sensitive and suspicious”. Dissatisfied, Lekitla appealed the ruling before a panel led by Court of Appeal President Kananelo Mosito.
Meanwhile, Adv Teele said the judge’s comments were improper and created the impression that she would not be impartial. He urged the court to order that the case start afresh before a different judge.
However, Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Lehlanako Mofilikoane, defended Justice Hlaele, saying her conduct was appropriate and that she was right to question the reasons for the postponement, especially since the case has been pending for four years. After hearing both sides, Justice Kananelo Mosito reserved judgment until 7 November 2025.
Lekitla is accused of murdering Mopeli Rapholo, whom he allegedly shot in Lithabaneng, Maseru, in December 2020.