Hopolang Mokhopi
PEOPLE’S Choice FM station manager, Khauta Mpeqa (52) of Ha Matala, has been charged with making harmful threats after he allegedly warned another man that he would kill him.
Mpeqa appeared before Maseru Magistrate Nkhethoa Molapo on Thursday on a charge of making harmful threats. The Crown was represented by Advocate Mamohlakoana Rabale.
According to the charge sheet, the accused unlawfully and intentionally communicated a threat of death or physical harm to Mohau Maama, directly and through spoken words, saying: “ke tla u bolaea… ke tla u tabola” (I will kill you).
The charge was read over and explained to the accused in a language he understood (Sesotho), and he was advised of his right to bail and to legal representation of his choice. He applied for bail, which the Crown did not oppose.
Outlining his personal circumstances, Mpeqa told the court that he is employed as a station manager at People’s Choice FM and has a family to support, including his wife and a 15-year-old son.
Magistrate Molapo admitted Mpeqa to bail on his own recognisance (O/R), ordering that he must not interfere with Crown witnesses and must attend court as required until the finalisation of the matter.
In a separate matter, Thabiso Manti (37) of Setleketseng, Ha Kali, was convicted of theft after appearing before the same court.
According to the charge sheet, on or about 17 January 2026, and at or near Mahloenyeng in the Maseru district, Manti unlawfully and intentionally stole an estimated M10 000 belonging to, or in the lawful possession of, Mahlomola Lipholo, with the intention of permanently depriving him of the money.
Manti pleaded guilty and indicated that the matter should proceed.
In mitigation, he told the court that he has no family responsibilities and earns a living as a herdboy.
“I did this because I was drunk,” he said.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Molapo said he had taken into account that the accused is a first offender, pleaded guilty and did not waste the court’s time.
The court fined Manti M7000 or, in default of payment, sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment. The magistrate further ordered that the exhibits be returned to the complainant. It is not clear whether he was able to pay the fine.
Meanwhile, Katleho Kali also appeared before Maseru Magistrate Puseletso McPherson on a charge of raping a six-year-old minor.
Crown Counsel, one Adv Shabe told the court that the accused appeared not to understand the proceedings.
“Even his uncle testified that the accused has been living with an intellectual disability,” Adv Shabe said.
Magistrate McPherson ordered that the accused undergo a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether he is fit to stand trial or whether reasonable accommodation can be made.
“Bail will be revisited once the psychiatric report has been filed. The accused is remanded to 03 February 2026,” the magistrate ruled.