Moorosi Tsiane

POLICE are investigating what could be a syndicate that has been illegally releasing inmates awaiting trial from Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) facilities.

This follows the arrest of suspended LCS trooper, Ralekoti Mokhahlane, on Tuesday over allegations that he had “connived” with Senior Resident Magistrate Peter Murenzi (also suspended) to release Hei “Lekaota” Nketsi, Moeketsi Rantheba, Lebajoa Mpeke, Molahlei Mpeke, and Retšelisitsoe Mpeke from the Maseru Central Correctional Institution.

Trooper is the lowest rank of officials employed at the LCS.

The Mpeke brothers had, on 28 May 2024, allegedly gone to villages around Ha Marakabei, Maseru, where they assaulted, kidnapped, and stole from the villagers under the pretence that they were soldiers.

They had applied for bail, but their application was successfully opposed by the prosecution. However, they were granted bail by Magistrate Murenzi in November last year on the condition that they each pay a bail deposit of M1000.

Lekaota and Rantheba, on the other hand, are charged with conspiracy to kill a state witness in the murder case of radio personality Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki.

Their bail application was also denied, but they were, in January this year, released using some shady methods allegedly facilitated by Trooper Mokhahlane.

They were released sometime in January, but Nketsi was re-arrested shortly thereafter, while Rantheba handed himself over to the police.

Nketsi and Rantheba are charged alongside Moabi Sisioana and Sootho Liphoto, who are both still standing trial before Judge Tšeliso Mokoko, charged with Joki’s 2023 murder.

Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) spokesperson, Senior Superintendent (SSP) Mpiti Mopeli, confirmed on Friday that they had called in Trooper Mokhahlane for questioning on Monday and that he was released on Thursday.

SSP Mopeli said Trooper Mokhahlane has not yet been charged, as the police are continuing their investigations.

“He was called in for questioning on Monday but has not yet been charged as the police are still conducting their investigations.

“I cannot for now divulge the contents relating to the investigation, but he was called concerning suspicions that he illegally released inmates from the correctional facility,” said SSP Mopeli.

When asked whether it was true that Magistrate Murenzi was also called in for questioning, Mopeli said he was not aware of such developments.

“I am not aware of that. I only know of the LCS officer in question. The investigations are still ongoing, and if need be, he will still be recalled again by the police,” said SSP Mopeli.

However, this publication has reliably been informed that Magistrate Murenzi was also called in on Tuesday and Wednesday for questioning regarding the same matter. The police have also been given access to his phones as part of their investigations.

On his part, Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Pheko Ntobane, said Trooper Mokhahlane remained suspended by the LCS as they were still waiting for a police report to determine the way forward.

“I have heard that he has been arrested, but I do not have full information on that, as it is now an issue of the police because we had reported a crime,” said Advocate Ntobane.

Asked whether a whole syndicate was involved and whether they were conducting their own investigations, Adv Ntobane said they could not rule that out.

“I don’t know if it is a syndicate or not, but we will wait for the police report, as it is the one which will point the way forward. We are currently not conducting any investigations to give police a chance to work and unearth the truth. I think he (Mokhahlane) is the right person to tell if he was working with other officers,” Adv Ntobane said.

He was reluctant to give full details on the procedure followed to release an inmate, saying they are letting the police handle that aspect.

“The Officer Commanding MCCI is the last person to sign for the release of inmates. But I will not reveal such a procedure for now.”

However, a close source has revealed that Trooper Mokhahlane could not have acted alone as a trooper because, for an inmate to be released, some top officials would have to sign as well.

“He cannot have done that by himself. This is a syndicate involving many people, including LCS top brass. There are procedures in releasing an inmate, and top officers have to sign and authorise it. An officer of the rank of Trooper cannot do that by himself,” the source stated.

The alleged syndicate is said to include LCS top brass, police officials, prosecutors, and magistrates.