Mohale FM RETIRED Captain Haleeo Makara has admitted that he pulled the trigger in the fatal shooting of former army commander, Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao, during a 25 June 2015 operation at Ha Lekete, Maseru.
Appearing before Justice Charles Hungwe in the High Court on Thursday together with his seven co-accused, Makara told the court that he shot Lt-Gen Mahao while attempting to protect fellow soldier Capt. Tefo Hashatsi (now deceased), claiming the general was pointing a firearm at Hashatsi.
Makara and his co-accused have consistently maintained that Lt-Gen Mahao was a Brigadier and not a Lieutenant General, disputing his 29 August 2014 appointment as army commander by then Prime Minister Thomas Thabane.
Makara is charged alongside Kamoli, Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, Sergeant Lekhooa Moepi, Sergeant Motsamai Fako, Corporal Marasi ’Moleli, Corporal Motšoane Machai, Corporal Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Corporal Tšitso Ramoholi.
