Motsamai Mokotjo
THE family of slain former army commander Maaparankoe Mahao says all they ask is for his killers to face justice.
Addressing hundreds of people who turned up for the inaugural Maaparankoe Mahao Peace Walk yesterday, family spokesperson, Professor Nqosa Mahao, said his brother’s killers should be held accountable.
The 33 km walk was organised by civic organisation, Action for Peace and Solidarity (APS), and started in Koalabata where Lt Gen Mahao resided and ended in Mokema where he was born and ultimately gunned down by his Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) colleagues. Among the participants included former ministers, Advocate Haae Phoofolo and S’khulumi Ntsaole as well as Member of Parliament Sam Rapapa.
The slain former army commander was shot dead as he left his Mokema farm on 25 June 2015 by soldiers who had come to arrest him following accusations of being part of a group of soldiers plotting to overthrow the army leadership. However, Lt Gen Mahao’s family has accused the army of killing him in cold blood basing on the account of his nephews who were with him during the incident.
Professor Mahao said the killing of his brother, Lesotho Mounted Police Service Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko and security guard Mohau Qobete should not go unpunished.
Sub-Inspector Ramahloko was fatally shot during an exchange of fire between the military and police during the 30 August 2014 military raid at Police Headquarters, while Mr Qobete was caught in the crossfire during a shootout between LDF members in February while on duty at the Ministry of Education offices in Maseru.
“Our only demand is for those implicated in his (Lt Gen Mahao) killing to be brought before the courts of law. Those who claimed the lives of Ramahloko and Qobete should also be held accountable for what they did,” said Professor Mahao.
He also said Lesotho needed to always have a strong civil society that “stands its ground regardless of who is in power”.
After the walk, the participants planted 47 trees symbolising Lt Gen Mahao’s age at the time of his death.
While planting the 47th tree, Professor Nqosa said: “I name this tree Maaparankoe. You have 46 of your own kind. It’s a symbol of the struggle for peace, justice and an accountable government.
“It should grow as it symbolises Basotho’s commitment to fight for those values. Its success should also reflect Basotho’s triumph in the fight for peace, justice and an accountable government in a democracy.”
On his part, ASP member, Mochekoane Mohlerepa, said they also intend to form the Maaparankoe Mahao Foundation and hold other activities to honour the ideals he stood for.
“The foundation will teach children about conflict management. We also intend to build a memorial shrine at the place where he was shot. Maaparankoe said he would die here in Mokema and God granted his wish,” he said.