Tefo Tefo
A 29-year old man from Ha-Seoli in Maseru district, Katiso Molahloe, yesterday pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of a gun.
He appeared in the High Court on charges of murdering two women and the attempted murder of one man in Ha-Seoli seven years ago.
The prosecution alleges Mr Molahloe shot and killed Tlaleng Tšiu and ‘Malipuo Mokhopheli, shot and injured Teboho Mokone, all in Mr Tšiu’s house on 23 October 2009.
He is also charged with the illegal possession of a 7.65mm pistol allegedly used to commit the offences. Mr Molahloe, however, pleaded not guilty to all counts.
“I am not guilty,” he said after being asked to plead when each count was read out.
According to a statement presented to Molahloe’s lawyer, Police Trooper Mohapi states he received a report on 23 October 2009 at around 11pm through a telephone call that two people had been shot dead at Mr Tšiu’s place.
“As a result, I reported to the Maseru Central Charge Office through a radio message. I was asking for assistance and two officers arrived from Maseru Central Charge Office within a short time,” reads part of Tpr Mohapi’s statement.
“We went to the scene, and upon arrival found two women lying in a pool of blood in the house. It was in the kitchen.
“When we examined the bodies, Tlaleng Tšiu had three open wounds on the head, one on the abdomen and one at the back, while ‘Malipuo Mokhopheli had two open wounds on the head.”
Another statement made by Inspector ‘Mamookho Hlabana says while she was on duty, someone from KEM Chambers arrived and surrendered the accused on 18 November 2009.
“We interrogated him (Mr Molahloe) and he handed over a 7.65 black auto pistol,” reads part of her statement.
The case is before the High Court judge Justice Molefi Makara.
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