…of how nephew was fatally stabbed in Leribe procession
Kabelo Masoabi
A festive initiation celebration in Ha Lenyakoane, Leribe, ended in tragedy when a young man was fatally stabbed in front of his uncle, leaving family and the community in shock.
Teboho Mofeli recounted the harrowing events this week at the High Court, describing how his nephew, Hlapho Mofeli, was killed during what was meant to be a joyful procession of returning initiates.
A Mathokoane man gave an emotional testimony this week at the High Court in Tšifa-li-Mali, Leribe, recounting how his nephew was killed in his presence during an initiation procession at Ha Lenyakoane, Leribe, on 20 December 2019.
Mr Mofeli told the court that the day began with a festive atmosphere as senior initiates, returning from delivering food for the initiation celebration of new graduates at Ha ‘Mankhololi, made their way home.
“The mood was joyful. There were songs and chants as the men, commonly referred to as mountain men, celebrated their return,” Mr Mofeli testified.
However, the celebration turned tragic when his nephew, Hlapho Mofeli, was stabbed to death by the accused, Moeketsi Rakoto.
The prosecution alleges that the deadly incident stemmed from a dispute over a pipe of tobacco as the group travelled through the fields of Ha Lenyakoane.
Recalling the events, Mr Mofeli said a quarrel erupted between the accused and the deceased but was initially diffused by Tšoloane Lehlabaphiri. Later, in the darkness, the accused allegedly stabbed Hlapho twice—once behind the ear and once under the armpit.
“I was leading the group when I was summoned to the rear of the procession. Upon arrival, I found my nephew lying on the ground with two stab wounds. Panic set in, and I asked the accused what had happened. He admitted to stabbing my nephew but offered no explanation,” Mofeli told the court.
He described how a moment of pride and celebration quickly turned to chaos: “The procession came to a halt as distress overtook joy”.
The deceased’s body was placed in a cattle cart and taken to Mr Mofeli’s home. The matter was reported to the local chief, and the corpse was kept inside a house while authorities were notified. Police later collected the body, questioned witnesses, and arrested the suspect, confiscating his knife as evidence.
During cross-examination, Advocate Mahlehle, representing the defence, highlighted discrepancies between Mr Mofeli’s court testimony and his earlier police statement, questioning the reliability of his account.
The defence also asked whether Mr Mofeli, still grieving his nephew’s death, might be biased in wanting someone held accountable. The question visibly unsettled him, and he remained silent, even when repeated in Sesotho. The court briefly adjourned to allow the witness to regain composure.
In another emotional testimony, the deceased’s grandmother, ’Mamolaoa Mofeli, expressed her heartbreak, telling the court she was deeply troubled that her grandson had died while the accused continued to live.
The trial is ongoing.
