…accused of silencing key witness
…while his body count feared to exceed five
Hopolang Mokhopi
IN a chilling development that has sent shockwaves across the country, a police officer accused of operating as a serial killer has been arrested after allegedly murdering yet another victim—this time, a key witness expected to testify against him in court.
Lebusa ‘Tonki’ Setlojane (42), a member of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) based in Khanyane, Leribe, is now at the centre of what investigators describe as a deeply disturbing pattern of violent crimes spanning multiple districts.
Setlojane is alleged to have gunned down a 36-year-old man on the night of 6 February 2026 at the latter’s spaza shop, in what authorities strongly suspect was a calculated attempt to eliminate a witness linked to one of his pending murder cases. The killing bears hallmarks of premeditation and obstruction of justice, significantly compounding the gravity of the charges against him.
He was arrested more than two months later, on 13 April 2026, before appearing briefly before the Mafeteng Magistrate’s Court on 17 April. He has since been remanded in custody at the Lesotho Correctional Service and is expected back in court on 30 April 2026.
Police sources indicate that this latest killing may be just one in a series of brutal murders allegedly committed by Setlojane, with the number of victims believed to be at least five—and possibly higher as investigations intensify.
Among the most harrowing allegations is that Setlojane murdered his own wife after reportedly setting her home ablaze in Mokema.
He also faces separate murder charges in Quthing, where he allegedly shot and killed a man, as well as in Mohale’s Hoek and Ha Mabote, where he is suspected of carrying out additional killings.
“This is not an isolated incident but a pattern of calculated and cold-blooded acts,” a senior LMPS source said.
“The fact that one of the victims was a witness raises serious concerns about interference with the justice system and abuse of police power.
“He was married to a woman from Mokema in Koro-Koro, and the couple lived in White City, Maseru. However, their relationship deteriorated, culminating in a dispute that led to their separation. It is reported that his wife later relocated to South Africa.
“Upon learning that she had returned to Lesotho, the accused allegedly tracked her down and killed her along with the individuals she was with at the time. Following the attack, he reportedly proceeded to her residence, where he set the houses alight. On his way back, he is further alleged to have killed an unsuspecting bystander before travelling to Quthing, where he also murdered his sister-in-law.”
The scandal deepened further with reports that Setlojane did not act alone. His alleged accomplice, Timelo Ramotena—a court clerk believed to have had intimate ties with the accused—has also been arrested.
Sources allege that Ramotena had been cohabiting with Setlojane and that their relationship began shortly after the murder of her husband, who was reportedly killed in her presence under unclear circumstances. Investigators are now probing whether that killing is also linked to Setlojane.
Her arrest reportedly followed a police operation, with armed officers initially failing to locate her at both her workplace and residence before eventually apprehending her.
However, LMPS spokesperson, Superintendent Thabo Mohai, would only confirm Setlojane’s arrest and suspension, citing the seriousness of the charges and ongoing investigations.
“He has been formally charged with murder and suspended from duty pending the finalisation of the case. Investigations are continuing,” Supt Mohai said.
However, he declined to comment on Ramotena’s alleged involvement, saying doing so could jeopardise active investigations.