Top prosecutor fears for his safety 

Moorosi Tsiane 

A renowned prosecutor handling some of Lesotho’s most politically sensitive and high-profile criminal cases says he fears for his life after being followed home by a suspicious vehicle last month. 

Advocate (Adv) Motene Rafoneke, who is leading prosecutions in several cases involving former military figures, politicians and serving soldiers, said he reported the incident to police after a vehicle tailed him from Moshoeshoe II to Ha Mabote late at night in May. 

The incident occurred while Adv Rafoneke was actively prosecuting a number of cases linked to members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), including murder, treason and bombing cases that have attracted national attention. 

Speaking about the incident, Adv Rafoneke said he first noticed a Honda Fit 4+1 following him while driving home at around 9pm in mid-May. 

“It was around mid-May, although I do not recall the exact date. As I was driving home, I noticed a Honda Fit 4+1 following me. When I slowed down, it slowed down too. When I increased my speed, it also increased its speed. This continued from Moshoeshoe II until I reached Ha Mabote,” Adv Rafoneke said. 

Because it was dark, he said, he was unable to identify the occupants of the vehicle or determine their intentions. 

“It was late and visibility was poor. I could not see how many people were inside the car. I cannot say for certain that they were chasing me, but it was enough to raise suspicion,” he added. 

Asked whether he believed the incident could be linked to his work as a prosecutor, Adv Rafoneke said he could not draw any conclusions but acknowledged that he was involved in several sensitive cases at the time. 

“I cannot really say whether it was related to my work because I handle many cases. I do not recall crossing anyone personally, so I do not know. However, at the time we were dealing with the bombing trial and the case involving the murder of Lisebo Tang,” he said. 

Concerned for his safety, Adv Rafoneke reported the matter to Maseru Central Police Station on Tuesday to ensure there would be an official record of the incident. 

“This whole thing is worrying me because this is my life we are talking about.  I have reported the matter to the Central Police Station because nobody knows what may happen tomorrow. If anything were to happen to me, there should be proof that I had reported this incident so that police can conduct their investigations properly,” he said. 

Police spokesperson, Superintendent Thabo Mohai, confirmed that a report had been lodged at Maseru Central Police Station but said further details were still being gathered. 

“There is such an incident reported yesterday (Tuesday), where it was reported that a blue Honda Fit was following him until he passed Mabote Police Station. However, his report does not contain the registration number of the vehicle in question. 

“So, the Officer Commanding Maseru Central is yet to meet with him to obtain all the details about the incident and also to understand why it took him this long to report the matter,” Supt Mohai said. 

Adv Rafoneke recently secured convictions against former soldiers Sergeant Tjekane Sebolai and Corporal Selone Ratsiu, who were each sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for the 2014 murder of Lisebo Tang near the residence of former army commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli in Ha Leqele. 

He is also leading the prosecution in the high-profile treason trial involving Kamoli, Lesotho Congress for Democracy leader Mothetjoa Metsing, Movement for Economic Change leader Selibe Mochoboroane, Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, Lance Corporals Motloheloa Ntsane and Leutsoa Motsieloa. The case stems from the alleged attempted coup of 30 August 2014 against the then government of former Prime Minister Thomas Thabane. 

The senior prosecutor is further handling the case involving the abduction and murder of three civilians — Lekhoele Noko, Khothatso Makibinyane and Molise Pakela — whose bodies were later dumped at Mohale Dam. Although eight soldiers were acquitted, Sergeant Lekhooa Moepi and Private Tieho Tikiso remain on trial facing murder and kidnapping charges. 

Adv Rafoneke is also prosecuting one of the country’s most closely watched criminal trials involving the 27 January 2014 bomb attacks on the homes of former First Lady ‘Maesaiah Thabane and former Police Commissioner Khothatso Tšooana. 

The accused in that matter are former army commander Kamoli, Nyakane, Pitso Ramoepane, Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Malefane Heqoa. 

Just last week, the accused suffered a setback after Judge Charles Hungwe dismissed their application seeking acquittal before they could be put to their defense, ruling that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring them to answer the charges. 

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