Mohale FM FORMER Acting Commissioner of Refugees, Nthatisi Thabane, and Director of Passport Services, Mpiko Rafono, have been hit with additional charges of attempted fraud and corruption.
The duo was this week jointly charged with AsumaniSaleh, whom they are accused of having illegally issued with a refugee certificate.
Thabane and Rafono had last week appeared before Magistrate Nkhethoa Molapo on charges of fraud and abuse of power for allegedly unlawfully issuing refugee certificates to foreign nationals.
Court records indicate that refugee certificates were allegedly issued to Saleh on 31 July 2024, AlhajiKarabo on 10 March 2025, Altest Mavhenela on 5 May 2025, and Besem Arrey on 11 June 2025. However, the latter three have not been charged.
Thabane and Rafono were suspended in June last year pending investigations into their alleged misconduct. Rafono resumed duty last Friday, while Thabane remains on suspension.
This week, the accused appeared before Magistrate Puseletso McPherson, with the Crown led by Advocate Moeketsi Tšolo. Defence counsel were Advocate Bokang Pita and Attorney Thato Chabana.
Magistrate McPherson informed Saleh of his right to bail and right to legal representation of his choice.
Magistrate McPherson further directed Saleh to produce a person who can lodge a national identity document with the court to ensure that he does not abscond and attends all remands.
