…as last two make bail
Hopolang Mokhopi
THE four soldiers accused of the 2016 attempted murder of former Lesotho Times and Sunday Express editor, Lloyd Mutungamiri, have all been released from custody.
The first two accused, former Military Intelligence boss Brigadier Rapele Mphaki and Maribe Nathane, were granted bail in December 2025. The remaining two, Nyatso Tšoenyane and Khutlang Mochesane, secured bail this week.
Justice Fumane Khabo granted Tšoenyane M2000 bail on Monday, while Justice Molefi Makara released Mochesane on Tuesday under similar conditions. They must attend all trial proceedings, avoid interfering with Crown witnesses, surrender travel documents, report to the Maseru Central Charge Office every two weeks, and secure an independent surety of M10,000.
The four stand accused of ambushing Mr Mutungamiri on 9 July 2016 near his then Lower Thamae home. The attack left him severely injured: one bullet shattered two fingers on his right hand, while another lodged behind his left ear and shattered his lower jaw, requiring specialised reconstructive surgery.
Their trial, originally before Maseru Senior Resident Magistrate Peter Murenzi, had been on hold since February 2025 following his suspension over alleged misconduct in granting questionable bail. Magistrate Murenzi was implicated in facilitating the release of five inmates, including Hei “Lekaota” Nketsi and Moeketsi Rantheba, who were charged with conspiracy to kill a state witness in the murder case of radio personality Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki.
Following a disciplinary inquiry presided over by High Court Judge Realeboha Mathaba, Magistrate Murenzi was found guilty of unlawfully releasing murder suspects on bail. In January 2026, the Judicial Service Commission endorsed the recommendation, sending him into forced retirement.
With the magistrate removed, the attempted murder trial of Mr Mutungamiri’s alleged shooters will now restart before a new magistrate.
