Moorosi Tsiane
FORMER Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) Military Intelligence chief, Tumo Lekhooa, was on Thursday accused of lying under oath after telling the High Court that he retired from the army in 2023 with the rank of Major General instead of that of Colonel.
The dramatic accusation emerged during cross-examination in the murder trial of former LDF Commander Lieutenant General (Lt-Gen) Tlali Kamoli, who is charged with the 2015 murder of former army commander Lt-Gen Maaparankoe Mahao.
Lekhooa, who is testifying as a defence witness for incarcerated Captain Haleeo Makara, came under intense questioning from Crown Counsel, Advocate Rethabile Setlojoane, over his disputed promotion.
The former Military Intelligence chief spent Monday and Tuesday giving evidence-in-chief, making explosive claims about alleged political interference and factional battles within the LDF leading up to the alleged 2015 mutiny plot and the subsequent killing of Lt-Gen Mahao.
However, his testimony took a dramatic turn when Adv Setlojoane challenged his assertion that he held the rank of Major General when he retired.
During cross-examination, the Crown counsel questioned why then LDF Commander, Lt-Gen Mojalefa Letsoela, had “reacted coldly” to his promotion from Colonel directly to Major General, bypassing the rank of Brigadier.
“How was the reaction of the army commander on your promotion when you returned from secondment?” Adv Setlojoane asked.
Lekhooa replied that Lt-Gen Letsoela had never recognised his promotion.
“His reaction has been cold and, in essence, I can say that he did not recognise my promotion for reasons that I cannot disclose,” he told the court.
Lekhooa was seconded to the National Security Service (NSS) by then Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, where he served as Director General from 16 September 2016. His contract was terminated 10 months later by former Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, shortly after the latter assumed office.
By the time Lekhooa returned to the LDF, Lt-Gen Letsoela had succeeded the late Lt-Gen Khoantle Motšomotšo, who was killed in his office on 5 September 2017 by slain soldiers Colonel Tefo Hashatsi and Brigadier Bulane Sechele.
Adv Setlojoane suggested that Lt-Gen Letsoela’s reaction stemmed from the fact that the LDF command had never recommended Lekhooa for promotion.
“My instructions are that the LDF Command never recommended you for promotion, hence the reaction you got,” Adv Setlojoane said.
Lekhooa dismissed the allegation, insisting that his promotion had been duly recommended and that he possessed documentary proof.
“The law is very specific on who has to do what and when. At home I have a letter written by General Motšomotšo recommending my promotion to the rank of Major General. I have that recommendation letter. It was addressed to the then Minister of Defence,” he said.
Adv Setlojoane then accused the witness of deliberately misleading the court.
“Ntate Lekhooa, you are deliberately lying under oath. You have never been a Major General…” the Crown counsel charged.
The allegation prompted an objection from Attorney Qhalehang Letsika, who represents Makara. Mr Letsika argued that it was unfair to accuse the witness of lying without first placing evidence before the court contradicting his testimony.
He submitted that the allegation was prejudicial because the Crown had not produced any documentary proof disputing Lekhooa’s claim.
Trial Judge Charles Hungwe, however, allowed Adv Setlojoane to continue with his line of questioning.
The Crown counsel maintained that Lekhooa had misrepresented himself and further informed the court that the matter was already under police investigation.
Kamoli is standing trial alongside Makara, Captain Litekanyo Nyakane, Sergeant Lekhooa Moepi, Sergeant Motsamai Fako, Corporal Marasi ‘Moleli, Corporal Motšoane Machai, Corporal Mohlalefi Seitlheko and Corporal Tšitso Ramoholi.
The accused face charges of murdering Lt-Gen Mahao and attempting to murder his nephews, Mahao Mahao and Mabilikoe Leuta, who were travelling with him when soldiers allegedly opened fire on their vehicle.
They also face charges of malicious damage to property after allegedly riddling Lt-Gen Mahao’s white Nissan half-truck with bullets.
Lt-Gen Kamoli additionally faces charges of stealing Lt-Gen Mahao’s 9mm pistol and Samsung Galaxy cell-phone after the fatal shooting.
Lekhooa is also facing charges in connection with Lt-Gen Mahao’s murder. He was charged in February last year after returning from self-imposed exile in South Africa.
The trial continues.