…but says he was protecting Hashatsi
Moorosi Tsiane
RETIRED Captain Haleeo Makara has admitted that he pulled the trigger in the fatal shooting of former army commander, Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao, during a 25 June 2015 operation at Ha Lekete, Maseru.
Appearing before Justice Charles Hungwe in the High Court on Thursday together with his seven co-accused, Makara told the court that he shot Lt-Gen Mahao while attempting to protect fellow soldier Capt Tefo Hashatsi (now deceased), claiming the general was pointing a firearm at Hashatsi.
“There was no other way I was going to protect Capt Hashatsi without shooting. I could not aim at the hand because the hand is small and everything was happening fast; hence I shot the arm. There had to be collateral damage because I could not wait for Brigadier Mahao to open the window, so I had to shoot through it,” Makara testified.
Makara and his co-accused have consistently maintained that Lt-Gen Mahao was a Brigadier and not a Lieutenant General, disputing his 29 August 2014 appointment as army commander by then Prime Minister Thomas Thabane. Mr Thabane’s successor, former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, reversed Lt-Gen Mahao’s appointment shortly after assuming office in 2015. At the time of his death, Lt-Gen Mahao was challenging the decision in court. Mr Mosisili subsequently reinstated retired Lt-Gen Tlali Kamoli, who had been dismissed by Mr Thabane on 29 August 2014.
Makara is charged alongside Kamoli, Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, Sergeant Lekhooa Moepi, Sergeant Motsamai Fako, Corporal Marasi ’Moleli, Corporal Motšoane Machai, Corporal Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Corporal Tšitso Ramoholi.
Makara told the court that he only realised moments later that he had shot Mahao.
“I realised that I had shot him at a later stage because immediately after shooting, he looked at me and I disembarked from the vehicle and went to the back. It was while standing there that I noticed the situation,” he said.
He described following Hashatsi, Private Ramoholi and then Lance Corporal Seitlheko towards Lt-Gen Mahao’s vehicle.
“When I got closer, I noticed Brig Mahao had fallen face-down, with his feet still trapped inside the vehicle,” Makara testified.
He further told the court that the two passengers travelling with Lt-Gen Mahao — Mabilikoe and Leuta Mahao — had already exited the vehicle when Hashatsi allegedly fired a warning shot.
“I do not know whether the doors were open when I shot because I was focusing on the target. But from the evidence led, the two passengers left the car when Capt Hashatsi fired a warning shot,” he said.
Makara said that after noticing Lt-Gen Mahao was bleeding, the soldiers rushed him to hospital.
“Lance Corporal Seitlheko called for help to put Brig Mahao into the vehicle so that we could take him to hospital. I assisted together with Private Ramoholi. We placed him on the rear seat of the vehicle in front and left the scene at very high speed, rushing him to Makoanyane Military Hospital.”
According to Makara, Lt-Gen Mahao was still conscious during the journey.
“He was able to speak. On the way, he asked that we open the windows because he was feeling hot,” he said.
Upon arrival at the hospital, they were received by Major General (then Lieutenant Colonel) ‘Matumelo Ramoqopo and one Capt Hokinyane.
“I informed them who we had brought in, and Lt-Col Ramoqopo immediately instructed the nurses to assist us. Brig Mahao also asked Capt Hokinyane to help him as he stepped out of the vehicle,” Makara testified.
The soldiers were later instructed to wait outside while medical staff attended to Lt-Gen Mahao.
“After a short while, Lt-Col Ramoqopo returned and informed us that they had tried to rescue Brig Mahao but had lost the fight and that he was too late. We all sighed because the news was saddening,” he said.
Makara further testified that about 10 minutes later, Hashatsi summoned the arresting team to Ratjomose Barracks, at the Military Intelligence (MI) offices, where senior officers were present, including then MI Director Major Tumo Lekhooa. Lekhooa was charged with Lt-Gen Mahao’s murder early last year after returning from self-exile he entered in 2017, when Mr Thabane reassumed the premiership.
“Major Sechele told us that Brig Mahao had lost his life and that I must write a statement explaining why I shot him. All officers who were at the scene were also instructed to write reports,” Makara said.
The trial will continue on 8 June 2025.