Kabelo Masoabi
THE Northern Division of the High Court has found Fose Chalo, a Mokhotlong resident, guilty of murdering Letsema Maekane in a brutal attack on 22 June 2019, in Malubalube village, Mokhotlong.
Acting Justice ’Manapo Motebele delivered the guilty verdict on Friday after a careful review of the evidence.
Chalo, who pleaded not guilty, was tried alone after his co-accused, Realeboha Mohlahli, absconded while out on bail. Prosecutors alleged that the two men acted in concert, repeatedly striking Mr Maekane with a sword on the head and legs.
In his defence, Chalo denied involvement. He told the court he was asleep on the night of the attack when Mr Mohlahli arrived with a grievous stomach wound.
“He said he had fought with the deceased, and I helped him seek medical attention,” Chalo testified.
“It wasn’t until the next morning that I learned of Letsema’s death. I was stunned when summoned to the police station – I knew nothing about what had happened.”
Chalo argued that state witnesses falsely implicated him, citing his fragile health as proof of his innocence. He had reportedly been recovering from surgery in South Africa after sustaining 11 gunshot wounds, and he said he was only able to manage short distances.
His mother, ’Mamoliehi Chalo, supported his alibi, saying he was bedridden and required constant care.
“I cleaned him, changed his diaper, and looked after him closely. He was far too weak to take part in any murder. If he was present, he could only have been a bystander,” she stated.
Despite this testimony, the court found the prosecution’s evidence more credible. Witnesses, including village headman Abia Leuta, testified that Chalo admitted to the crime. Chief Leuta recounted encountering Mohlahli near a police vehicle transporting the accused, where Mohlahli claimed that he and Chalo had killed Mr Maekane. When asked, Chalo confirmed the statement.
Other witnesses, including Chalo’s uncle Mojakisane Moshoeshoe, said Chalo also confessed at the police station. Police investigating officers testified that Chalo voluntarily handed over the murder weapon, a sword, recovered from his residence. Chalo reportedly admitted to his neighbour, Thetso Motaung, that he and Mohlahli had used the sword interchangeably to attack Mr Maekane.
The motive for the murder remains unclear.
Justice Motebele found Chalo guilty of murder with direct intent, revoking his bail. He remains in custody awaiting sentencing.
“…accordingly, the court is satisfied that the Crown has proved the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. In the result, the accused is found guilty of murder with direct intent,” Justice Motebele ruled.