Constable’s death remains a mystery

Tsitsi Matope
Maseru

The police are still investigating the suspected murder of a 38-year-old constable whose body was found at the Pitso Ground Bus Stop on Wednesday morning.

According to Officer Commanding Maseru District, Senior Superintendent Mofokeng Kolo, the constable, Retšelisitsoe Ntoi, had a bullet wound on his thigh when passers-by stumbled upon his body.

Kolo on Friday said the late constable’s bag, which still had his uniform, was later found near Mohokare River, adding to the mystery of the bereavement.
“When we found the body, he was wearing civilian clothes and he was still in possession of his service pistol. We are not sure if he had money on him before the attack.
“His bag, when it was recovered near Mohokare, had the uniform we suspect he was wearing at work on Tuesday. Up to now, it is still not clear what could have happened after he knocked off at around 6pm, since no arrests have been made as yet,” he said.
Kolo further said the now-deceased, who was described by his colleagues as “a very quiet man”, was not investigating any sensitive case for the police to suspect that could have led to his killing.

However, Kolo noted this is not the first time this year that a police officer had been killed under disturbing circumstances.
“Last month, two officers were playing snooker in a certain shop in Roma at around 8pm when a group of armed robbers entered and held the customers hostage. While in the process of robbing the shop, they identified the two policemen and shot one of them dead who worked in the traffic unit, before severely assaulting the other,” Kolo said, adding the incident had highlighted the need for the police to always be alert.

“As the police, we are aware that criminals know us and can target us. That is the most dangerous part of our job, and which is why we should always be vigilant,” Kolo said.