Tefo Tefo
KOALABATA double ritual murder suspect Lehlohonolo Scott has gone on a hunger strike in the Maseru Central Prison for not being allowed to mingle with other inmates.
Lehlohonolo is in custody while his trial continues in the High Court.
He faces murder charges along with his mother, ‘Malehlohonolo Scott, for allegedly killing two Koalabata boys five years ago.
Lehlohonolo’s lawyer, Advocate Thulo Hoeane, confirmed the development in an interview with the Sunday Express on Friday.
“I can confirm that Scott has been on a hunger strike since Monday,” Adv Hoeane said.
“He is complaining about the solitary confinement where he is not able to meet with other inmates”.
“He is locked up in the cells in the new block, but is unable to meet with other inmates even in that block.
“He is also complaining that he does not have access to reading materials that include newspapers.”
Adv Hoeane said he would raise Scott’s concerns with the High Court judge presiding over the case, Justice Teboho Moiloa, when the case resumes on Tuesday.
“We have to bring these issues before court on Tuesday so that the judge can take action.
“It is not good for the court to try someone who is not well since Scott has not been eating food or drinking anything since Monday,” he added.
Lehlohonolo (30) and his mother ’Malehlohonolo (60) are accused of the murder of fellow Koalabata residents Moholobela Seetsa (13) and Mohata (22) in January and June 2012 respectively.
The Scotts were arrested on 12 July 2012 following the discovery of Seetsa and Mohata’s mutilated bodies in Koalabata. The mutilation of the bodies led to speculation the two had been killed for ritual purposes.
Lehlohonolo has previously complained of unfair treatment, claiming in his December 2016 court testimony that prior to his arrest, the police used unprintable insults depicting his mother’s private parts while they allegedly manhandled and accused him of being a member of the opposition All Basotho Convention (ABC) political party.
In addition to murder, Lehlohonolo also faces the charge of unlawful escape from Maseru Central Prison on 14 October 2012 while awaiting trial.
After almost two years on the run, Lehlohonolo was arrested in Durban on 6 April 2014 and lost his fight against extradition in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on 5 May last year. He was extradited to Lesotho on 21 October 2015, where he awaits finalisation of his trials in custody.
For her part, ’Malehlohonolo was released on stringent bail conditions in August 2013.