Kabelo Masoabi
A 48-year-old man from Ha Lepapa in the Kolonyama Constituency, Leribe, who was awaiting trial for allegedly orchestrating the contract killing of his neighbour, was allegedly beaten and burned to death by an angry mob shortly after being released on bail.
The deceased, Mosala Rathaba, and his 38-year-old wife, ‘Matsoakae Rathaba, had appeared before the Leribe Magistrates’ Court on charges of hiring a hitman to murder their 57-year-old neighbour. The couple was arrested on 16 and 17 April 2026 and was initially remanded in custody before being granted bail pending trial.
According to reports, after their release, a group of enraged villagers confronted the couple at their home in Ha Lepapa on Friday. The mob allegedly assaulted both suspects before setting their house on fire with Mosala still inside. He died in the blaze, police said.
His wife reportedly escaped during the attack, and her whereabouts remain unknown.
Peka police confirmed the incident, saying Mosala was burned to death inside his home.
Kolonyama Member of Parliament, Mahlathene Lempe, also confirmed receiving reports of the incident, describing it as part of a disturbing pattern of revenge killings in the area.
“If I recall correctly, this is the fourth revenge-related murder to occur in this area and its surrounding villages,” Mr Lempe said.
“I intend to work closely with the police, community councillors and other relevant authorities to organise public gatherings aimed at educating residents about the consequences of taking the law into their own hands. These acts of revenge continue to claim lives and must come to an end.”
Mr Lempe said he was still awaiting a comprehensive report on the incident, particularly from the local community councillor, whom he had been unable to reach despite several attempts.
This publication also sought comment from the councillor, but repeated attempts to make contact throughout the day were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, several residents reportedly declined to discuss the incident, saying they feared possible retaliation.
Previous police investigation
In a statement issued after the couple’s arrest in April, Detective Sergeant Abiel Ponoane of the Peka Criminal Investigations Division said police received a report on 16 April 2026 that a 57-year-old man, who was the Rathabas’ neighbour, had been shot.
Investigations established that the victim was ambushed by unidentified gunmen shortly after 6pm and sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Berea Hospital before being transferred to Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital in Maseru, where he later died.
The investigation led to the arrest of Mosala and his wife on 16 and 17 April 2026.
Police further alleged that Mosala was already out on bail in a separate case involving the malicious damage of the neighbour’s property.
That case stemmed from a long-running dispute over a pathway separating the neighbours’ properties.
According to Detective Sergeant Ponoane, Mosala allegedly hired two men from Liphakoeng, Peka, paying them M10,000 to carry out the killing.
Police allege that on 15 April 2026, he collected the two men in his vehicle and transported them to the area, where they spent the day monitoring the victim’s movements. The following evening, they allegedly carried out the fatal shooting.
Earlier property dispute
Court records show that on 7 April 2026, Mosala appeared before the Leribe Magistrates’ Court on charges of malicious damage to property involving the same neighbour. He was granted bail of M3000.
Police Constable Mohlongoana Rafoneke of the Peka Investigations Office said the complaint had originally been lodged on 1 June 2025.
The complainant alleged that on 31 May 2025, Mosala vandalised his property during an altercation linked to the ongoing pathway dispute.
He allegedly smashed the windows of the complainant’s house, punctured the tyres of his vehicle and damaged household property before fleeing to South Africa.
Police later received information that he was hiding at his wife’s residence, leading to his arrest on 4 April 2026.