Hopolang Mokhopi
A 28-YEAR-OLD man, Phomolo Nkonyama, has appeared before the Maseru Magistrates’ Court charged with murdering his wife, ‘Makatiso Nkonyama, by allegedly stabbing her in the neck with a knife.
Nkonyama appeared before Resident Magistrate ‘Makopano Taole and Crown Counsel Advocate Keketso Motiki, where the murder charge was formally put to him.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offence occurred on or about 1 October 2026 at Ha Tšiu in the Maseru district.
The charge states that Nkonyama “did unlawfully and intentionally assault one ‘Makatiso Nkonyama, his wife, by stabbing her with a knife on her neck”, causing injuries that resulted in her death.
The accused was informed of the charge in a language he understands and advised of his rights to apply for bail and to legal representation of his choice, including assistance from Legal Aid.
Adv Motiki told the court that the matter was still pending further police investigations.
Magistrate Taole remanded Nkonyama in custody, with his next court appearance date set for 20 October 2026.
She further advised him that he would have to approach the High Court for bail, as the Magistrate’s Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain his application.
“You will apply for bail through your lawyer at the High Court, as this court has no jurisdiction. This charge is bailable at the High Court,” Magistrate Taole told the accused.
Cannabis theft accused granted M500 bail
Meanwhile, another man, Sephamo Selepe, has appeared before the Maseru Magistrates’ Court charged with stealing cannabis from MG Health, a cannabis company operating in the district.
Selepe appeared before Magistrate ‘Mamorojele Qoo and Crown Counsel Adv Matiase Chopho, where he was formally charged with theft.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offence occurred on or about 26 September 2026 at MG Health’s premises in Marakabei, Maseru district.
The charge alleges that Selepe unlawfully and intentionally stole cannabis, also known as dagga, weighing 0.091 kilogrammes (91 grammes), which was in the possession of Tšeliso Malefane, the company’s manager.
The charge was read and explained to Selepe in a language he understands, and he was advised of his rights to bail and legal representation, including assistance from Legal Aid.
Selepe told the court that he fully understood and appreciated his rights before applying for bail.
In his application, he said he had a family and a minor child who depended on him. He also told the court that he had cooperated with police investigations and was not a flight risk.
“I have been cooperating with the police investigation,” Selepe told the court.
Adv Chopho said the prosecution had no objection to the bail application.
Magistrate Qoo subsequently granted Selepe bail of M500, ordering him to attend court proceedings until the matter was finalised.
She also cautioned him against interfering with prosecution witnesses.