…as the four convicts plead for mercy
Moorosi Tsiane
THE four Mokema men convicted of assassinating popular radio star Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki and brutally gunning down two others have pleaded for lenient sentences.
– just a day after Justice Tšeliso Mokoko found them guilty of the chilling May 2023 triple murders that shocked the nation.
Mothusi Tlelase, Sootho Liphoto, Moabi Sesioana and Kamo Phakoe were on Wednesday all found guilty by Justice Mokoko on three counts of murder relating to Joki, Parliament Committee Coordinator Mothibe Mothibe, and Thomello Ntsane at Ha Thamae and Mokema respectively.
Joki was shot at the Tšenolo FM premises on 14 May, while Mothibe and Ntsane (a sister to Assistant Commissioner of Police Mamello Ntsane) were shot on 20 May at Mokema.
On Thursday, during mitigation, the four convicts—through their lawyer Lepeli Molapo—pleaded with the court to exercise leniency when sentencing them.
“My Lord, the accused have been found guilty of common purpose and the degree of participation of each accused has to be considered. Extenuating circumstances exist. The accused were engaged in a drinking spree and they were not in their right minds. They deserve a lesser sentence as they had taken alcohol at an excessive rate.
“In terms of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, the highest sentence is death, but it cannot apply in this case. Twenty-five years is also the highest sentence but that is tantamount to life imprisonment. We therefore ask for sentences below 25 years,” submitted Advocate Molapo.
Adv Molapo further argued that Tlelase and Liphoto were the core perpetrators and asked for 10 years for Sesioana and six years for Phakoe.
However, Adv Christopher Lephuthing for the Crown insisted that the four accused should be hanged, alternatively, sentenced to life imprisonment.
“The accused, My Lord, I submit that they should be hanged until they die (sic), or if we are practising Christianity, they must serve life sentences. Society needs protection from people like these. The families of the deceased were deprived of their breadwinners and they must see justice being done, not only being talked about.
“These murders were premeditated. The accused knew exactly what they were doing when they killed the deceased. Society looks to the court to find solutions to these heinous crimes,” submitted Adv Lephuthing.
He further stated that although courts must avoid the appearance of revenge, Justice Mokoko should nonetheless be harsh on the accused as they showed no remorse throughout the trial.
“I concur that the court should avoid being emotional and retaliating or even using sentences as revenge, as well as relying on public opinion, but the society was robbed of important people.
“The accused showed no remorse, there has never been any indication of remorse throughout the trial from any of them, and they deserve to be dealt with accordingly—with a capital sentence,” said Adv Lephuthing.
After hearing both sides, Justice Mokoko reserved sentencing for 11 December 2025.
He further asked the police to bring the guns used as exhibits in the matter during sentencing for him to make a proper disposal order.
This comes after Justice Mokoko, during Wednesday’s judgment, raised concerns about police officers handing back unlicensed guns to criminals.
“This court has taken initial notice that after trials these guns end up in the hands of the criminals and I have advised myself that in every matter where I am sitting I will make an order that a firearm be destroyed in my presence.
“The court has learnt that these guns run in circles and some police officers rent them out to criminals while others sell them. I cannot allow that to happen in a matter that I am seized with. So before I make a disposal order, I want to hear from you how the destruction of guns works,” said Justice Mokoko to ACP Ntsane, who was present in court on Wednesday.
ACP Ntsane informed the court that it is a long process to destroy firearms because they first have to check with their Interpol counterparts to ensure that such guns are not being sought for crimes committed outside the country.
“There is a gun destruction globally on 9 July every year. So we will invite His Lordship to witness it. There are many processes to be followed before a gun can be destroyed, such as having to check with Interpol and clear if such guns are not being looked for in other crimes. But for now, they will be kept at Police Headquarters until that process has been completed and they will be destroyed,” said ACP Ntsane.
Meanwhile, Tlelase, Liphoto and Moabi were also found guilty on a charge relating to the theft of Mothibe’s property, while Tlelase and Liphoto were additionally convicted of possession of an illegal firearm on 14 and 20 May 2023, respectively.
Lesotho retains the death penalty for crimes like murder and treason, but has not executed anyone since 1994 when the person who had murdered late musician, Tšepo Tšola’s wife was killed.