Mohalenyane Phakela
A SUSPECTED Famo gang assassin has been charged with three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.
Litaba Nthontho appeared before the Leribe Magistrates’ Court on 13 March 2023.
Nthontho, alias Manyetse, has also been charged for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
According to a police report, Nthontho is suspected to be a member of an unnamed Famo gang who are hired to assassinate people.
He appeared before one Magistrate Marakabei who remanded him to 27 March 2023.
Nthontho is accused of murdering three people in Maputsoe, Leribe, in 2011, and this year. He therefore faces three counts of murder, attempted murder and possession of illegal firearm.
“The said accused is charged with murder … in that on or about 12 February 2023 at or near Ha Moholisa in Maputsoe in the district of Leribe, he fatally shot one Letsatsi Tlali,” part of the charge sheet reads.
Nthontho is also accused of killing one Makhatebe Tlali the same day.
He also allegedly shot dead Mbuselwa Tṥehlo on 23 November 2011 at Hleoheng, Leribe.
The accused further allegedly shot Seutloali Mosili on 14 November 2021 in Maputsoe on the leg with intent to kill him.
Maputsoe police raided Nthontho’s home at Lithabaneng in Maseru on an unspecified date and found him in possession of an unlicensed firearm suspected to have been used to commit the heinous crimes.
He was as a result charged for being in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol and five rounds of ammunition. The serial number of the weapon was rubbed off.
Magistrate Marakabei read Nthontho the charges against him and further informed him of his rights, including applying for bail in the High Court.
“You have a right to legal representation by a lawyer of your choice or to seek legal aid services starting from this moment. You have a right to apply for bail in the High Court due to the nature of the charges against you.
“You are remanded in custody until such time that you have been admitted on bail. You are remanded to 27 March 2023,” Magistrate Marakabei said.
