Hopolang Mokhopi
A Qoaling man, Mampe Khaukhau (41), appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court charged with the murder of Lerato Ramatabane.
Khaukhau appeared before Magistrate Nkhethoa Molapo on Thursday, who formally charged him with murder.
According to the charge sheet: “Upon the 3rd day of August 2025, and at or near Qoaling Nkhahle in the district of Maseru, the said accused did unlawfully and intentionally assault one Lerato Ramatabane by strangling her and whipping her with sticks on her body, thereby inflicting injuries which resulted in her death, in contravention of the said Act”.
During the appearance, Magistrate Molapo informed Khaukhau, who had no legal representation, that he had the right to a lawyer of his choice and could apply for bail before the High Court.
“This court does not have jurisdiction to grant bail in murder cases. Therefore, you will apply for bail before the High Court,” Magistrate Molapo explained.
The magistrate further advised that if he cannot afford to hire a private lawyer, he had the right to seek legal assistance from Legal Aid.
He also appraised him about the nature and seriousness of the offence, as well as the potential sentence should he be found guilty.
Khaukhau was remanded in custody and ordered to reappear before the same court on 19 August 2025.
Second murder case
Meanwhile, Thabiso Kang also appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court, accused of murdering one Rankibe Lillane.
He appeared before Magistrate Molapo and Crown Prosecutor, Seeng Monyane, where he was formally charged.
According to the charge sheet: “Upon or about the 5th day of August 2025, the said accused did unlawfully and intentionally assault one Rankibe Lillane with a stone and a stick on the head, thereby inflicting injuries which resulted in his death.”
Kang is set to reappear before court on 19 August 2025.
Fraud case
In a separate matter, Lekhooana Morojele appeared before Magistrate Molapo and Crown Prosecutor Thabo Motlomelo, where he was formally charged with fraud.
According to the charge sheet: “Upon or about the 8th day of August 2025, and at or near LB Microfinance Pty Ltd in the district of Maseru, the accused did unlawfully and with intent to defraud make a false representation, or conceal from LB Microfinance a fact which, in the circumstances, he had a duty to reveal, with the intention that the said LB Microfinance Pty Ltd should act upon the representation to their detriment; to wit: by communicating to LB Microfinance Pty Ltd false and fraudulent Standard Lesotho Bank statements bearing account number 9080010639278 and account holder being the accused, thereby causing LB Microfinance Pty Ltd to loan the accused an amount of M4500 to their detriment, the accused thus committing the said offence.”
The accused appeared in person and applied to be released on bail.
However, Crown Prosecutor Motlomelo requested that the bail application be postponed to 12 August 2025. Magistrate Molapo remanded the accused in custody until 11 August 2025.
“The accused is given time to advance evidence of exceptional circumstances warranting his release on bail,” Magistrate Molapo said, adding that the court had considered the seriousness of the offence and made the ruling pursuant to Section 109.