Hopolang Mokhopi
A retired police officer, Sello Khutlisi, is in police custody after allegedly fatally shooting his neighbour on Thursday in Lithabaneng, Maseru.
The Lesotho Mounted Police Service spokesperson, Superintendent Thabo Mohai, confirmed to the Sunday Express that Khutlisi was arrested on Friday.
“He is in custody as he is suspected of murdering a person in Lithabaneng. He will appear in court to be charged once investigations are complete,” Supt Mohai said.
According to a neighbour of both Khutlisi and the deceased, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, the two men had a dispute about two weeks ago after Khutlisi allegedly sexually harassed the deceased’s wife.
“Ntate Khutlisi was drinking at a bar near his yard when the deceased arrived with his wife. Khutlisi then grabbed the woman’s breast, which angered the deceased, but other patrons intervened before a fight could break out,” the neighbour said.
The neighbour further alleged that on Thursday the deceased, a mechanic, went to collect a customer’s vehicle from a shop located within Khutlisi’s yard, which the latter rents out.
“Upon seeing the deceased, Ntate Khutlisi approached him and demanded to know what he was doing in his compound, claiming he had insulted him previously. He then shot him in the chest and left him lying there,” the neighbour said.
The victim was rushed to Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Residents say Khutlisi is feared in the area due to a history of violent behaviour.
“I cannot recall how many people he has pointed a gun at, even women. He often boasts that he was a police officer and would shoot anyone who disrespects him,” the neighbour said.
The neighbour also recounted a previous incident nearly a year ago in which Khutlisi allegedly shot a young man he had been drinking with at the same rented shop.
“He accused the man of trying to steal his vehicle which they had both sat in earlier. The man later returned with his wife to look for his hat when Ntate Khutlisi opened fire. He shot the man in the thigh and narrowly missed the woman as she ran away,” the neighbour said.
The injured man was taken to hospital and survived. However, residents claim the case never went to court.
“We are relieved that he has been arrested. We just hope that the law will take its course and that this case will not vanish like the previous one,” the neighbour said.