…in love triangle tragedy
Kabelo Masoabi
THE High Court in the Northern Division has sentenced Ntisa Ramosebetsi to 45 years in prison for the 2020 murder of Moorosi Mohloai, ending a case that shocked the Leribe community.
Acting Justice ’Manapo Motebele handed down the sentence after previously finding the 39-year-old Likhakeng farmer guilty beyond reasonable doubt. The killing occurred on 8 November 2020 and was linked to a love triangle involving Ramosebetsi, Mr Mohloai, and ’Mathabo Senatsi.
Ms Senatsi, who initially faced charges alongside Ramosebetsi, later became a state witness. Her testimony was central to the prosecution’s case. On the night of the murder, Ramosebetsi was visiting Ms Senatsi at Sebothoane, where she worked as a domestic worker. Mr Mohloai arrived unexpectedly, sparking a confrontation that escalated into violence. Evidence showed that Ramosebetsi suffocated Mr Mohloai with a tablecloth while the victim, heavily intoxicated, was unable to defend himself.
Ms Senatsi told the court that Ramosebetsi instructed her to touch the corpse to leave both their fingerprints. The body was temporarily hidden in a bathroom before being transported, with the help of Muthimkhuli Hlapisi, to the Hlotse River at Ha Leshoele for dumping. The pair later performed a cleansing ritual at an anthill and fled to Maseru, from where Ms Senatsi was taken to Johannesburg. There, the couple lived together in a flat arranged by Ramosebetsi’s brother.
Their time in South Africa was reportedly abusive, prompting Ms Senatsi to return to Lesotho. She reported the crime to police and led them to the dumping site, where Mr Mohloai’s decomposed body was exhumed.
Ramosebetsi denied the charges, claiming Ms Senatsi strangled Mr Mohloai while he tried to intervene. He also denied a romantic relationship with her, despite admitting they had lived together for over a year in South Africa. The court, however, found his account inconsistent and improbable. Detective Police Constable Mosenene testified that Ramosebetsi had admitted the killing during police interrogation and led authorities to the crime and burial sites.
In delivering the sentence, Justice Motebele highlighted the growing prevalence of violence fuelled by jealousy and possessiveness. She said the crime was aggravated by premeditation and selfishness and emphasised that no one could claim ownership over another person’s affection.
“When individuals take another’s life over a romantic rivalry, the liberty of a peaceful society is threatened,” Justice Motebele said.
“Courts must respond firmly to send a clear message that disputes of this nature cannot be resolved through violence.”
She also cited the cruelty of the act and the trauma inflicted on those forced to participate.
“Our Kingdom is plagued by senseless killings. Society expects the courts to protect the sanctity of human life.”
Considering the seriousness of the offence, the interests of society, and the personal circumstances of the accused, the court sentenced Ramosebetsi to 45 years’ imprisonment.