Tefo Tefo
Koalabata ritual murder suspects, Lehlohonolo Scott and his mother, ‘Malehlohonolo, were back in the High Court on Monday this week.
Justice Teboho Moiloa told mother and son that their case would be heard from 11 to 15 April and 18 to 27 April next year.
Scott is in Maseru Central Prison while his mother was released on M500 bail in August last year.
The two were arrested on 12 July 2012 for allegedly killing their Koalabata neighbours Moholobela Seetsa (13) and Kamohelo Mohata (22) in January and June 2012, respectively. The mutilated bodies of the victims led to suggestions that they had been killed for ritual purposes.
However, Scott escaped from Maseru Central Prison on 14 October 2012, and fled to South Africa where he was arrested in April 2014. On 21 October this year, Scott was extradited to Lesotho and appeared before the High Court the same day. Justice Moiloa remanded him in custody until 23 November, hence he was back in court this week.
On 4 October, Scott also appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court and charged with escaping from lawful custody.
Advocate Thapelo Mokuku, who prosecutes the case, on Monday told Justice Moiloa that Scott had now been charged for the prison-break.
However, the judge would not allow the Scotts’ lawyer, Advocate Thulo Hoeane, to voice his concerns.
Advocate Hoeane had told the court: “My Lord, if you could allow me… there are certain things that are happening against Accused Number One (Lehlohonolo), which this court should know because they affect the trial.”
But before he could proceed, the judge interjected: “Whatever is related to the trial should be said during the trial, not now. I am only dealing with hard facts, nothing else.”
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The judge also admonished Advocate Mokuku when he discovered the amended charge-sheet against Scott had not been given to Advocate Hoeane.
“You see! I don’t want counsel to waylay one another,” Justice Moiloa said.
Meanwhile, Advocate Gareth Leppan of South Africa, also joined the prosecution team on Monday.
