Hopolang Mokhopi
TWO men accused of separate murders have been remanded in custody by the Maseru Magistrate’s Court.
Magistrate Lebusa Tšosane ordered that Mafa Khutlane (60) of Sehlabanyaneng, Tšenola, remain in custody after he was charged with the murder of his biological son, Letsatsi Khutlane.
According to the charge sheet, the accused is alleged to have unlawfully and intentionally assaulted his son with an axe on or about 20 February 2026 at Tšenola, inflicting fatal injuries.
The charge was read to Mafa in Sesotho.
He was informed of his right to legal representation of his choice or to apply for legal aid, as well as his right to apply for bail. However, Magistrate Tšosane ruled that the offence is not bailable at the magistrate’s court, advising the accused to approach the High Court for bail through his legal representatives.
Sources close to the case painted a grim picture of the events leading to the killing. The deceased, believed to be about 28 years old, had previously served two years in prison in the Eastern Cape for killing a friend. After his release and return home, tensions reportedly escalated within the family as he allegedly resumed gang-related activities and became increasingly distant from relatives.
On the day of the incident, Mafa reportedly arrived home from work and began preparing vegetables. While chopping, the deceased allegedly assaulted him. Mafa is said to have attempted, unsuccessfully, to seek help from the local chief. Later that night, after the household had gone to sleep, he allegedly struck his son with an axe, killing him.
The court was also told that Mafa had a history of domestic disputes. In September last year, he allegedly discovered that his wife was involved in an affair with a neighbour, leading to confrontations and assaults. He was later charged in court over the incidents and paid bail deposits of M2000 and M3000 respectively after both his wife and the alleged lover laid charges against him.
In a separate matter, Lepolesa Moloi was also remanded in custody on a charge of murder. He is accused of unlawfully and intentionally assaulting Hape Mochochonono with a brick on the head on or about 20 February 2026 at Tšenola, causing injuries that resulted in death.
Crown Counsel, Advocate Seeng, told the court that the state is still awaiting post-mortem reports in both cases.
