Brian Chiwanza
Lesotho Police Staff Association (LEPOSA) president, Inspector Molibeli Damane, appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court on Monday charged with attempted murder.
The 48-year-old officer allegedly shot his wife Matsepo (26) in her office on Thursday last week, seriously injuring her in the process.
After the attack, which took place at the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) Centre in Maseru, Insp Damane was arrested and detained at Police Headquarters, while his wife was rushed to Tšepong Hospital.
When he appeared before Magistrate Lerato Ntelane, the policeman was read his charge by prosecutor Mohau Mahanyele, and also advised of his right to seek a lawyer. The accused was also advised to apply for bail at the High Court and remanded in custody.
Part of the charge sheet read: “At or near LNDC, on 22 October 2015 with intent to kill, did shoot and inflicted wounds upon Matsepo Damane (26).”
Meanwhile, Advocate Lepeli Molapo, who is representing the accused, made the bail application on Monday afternoon.
High Court judge, Justice Semapo Peete, set the bail at M1000, which Insp Damane paid on Tuesday, allowing him to go home after spending the night at Maseru Maximum Security Prison.
However, he is expected back in court on 3 November.
Inspector Damane was elected LEPOSA president in April this year.
