…over inmates’ failure to secure legal representation
Kabelo Masoabi
ACTING High Court Judge, Manapo Motebele, has expressed strong displeasure after two inmates facing a murder charge failed, for the second time, to secure legal representation, forcing yet another postponement of their case.
The accused, Tšehla Khabe (27) of Khohlo-Ntšo in Leribe and Tšeliso Kompi (27) of Ha Nyenye in Maputsoe, are charged with murder allegedly committed on 24 April 2007. They are accused of acting with a common purpose in the killing of Maphutseng Koetle, a security guard who was shot dead during a robbery at a Maputsoe supermarket.
On 8 December last year, the accused informed the court that they had dismissed their Legal Aid lawyer and requested time to appoint lawyers of their own choice. The court granted the request and postponed the matter to 3 February this year.
However, when the case was called on Tuesday, the accused told the court that they had still not secured legal representation, prompting Justice Motebele to question their seriousness. She warned that the court was not a “playing ground” and said their conduct showed a clear disregard for the justice system.
Justice Motebele reminded the accused that the case involved the loss of life and that the victim’s family and witnesses deserved justice. She added that it was unfair for witnesses to repeatedly attend court only to be turned away because of delays caused by the accused. The court’s duty, she said, was to hear cases without unnecessary delay, deliver verdicts where evidence exists, or release accused persons where it does not.
In mitigation, Khabe told the court that he had been admitted to Maseru District Hospital for two weeks following the previous court appearance, leaving him with no time to secure a lawyer.
Kompi said his delay was due to financial constraints, claiming he could not immediately raise the legal fees requested. When asked to identify the lawyer, he said he did not know the lawyer’s name.
Justice Motebele warned that should the accused continue to delay proceedings, the court would appoint Legal Aid lawyers on their behalf and proceed with the trial to avoid wasting court time.
The matter was postponed to next Tuesday, with the accused ordered to appear with their legal representatives.
The two are reportedly repeat offenders, having previously been convicted of other crimes at the Tšifa-Li-Mali courts in Leribe.
Kompi is currently serving a 28-year sentence imposed by the High Court for the murder of Tihang Molupe, which arose from a dispute over cattle-trading proceeds.
Khabe told the court he has served nine years of a combined 39-year sentence on multiple counts. Both accused remain in custody at the Lesotho Correctional Services facility in Hlotse, Leribe.
