…as parolee boyfriend appears in court for her murder
Hopolang Mokhopi
THE family of Nteboheleng Linake says it is devastated following her brutal murder, allegedly at the hands of her boyfriend, Motlalepula Sebinane, who is suspected of killing and dismembering her.
Sebinane was released on parole around July last year after serving part of a 15-year prison sentence for rape. He was among the 240 inmates pardoned by His Majesty King Letsie III.
He appeared before the Mafeteng Magistrates Court last Friday and was remanded into custody.
The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) spokesperson, Superintendent Thabo Mohai, confirmed that Sebinane had previously been convicted of a sexual offence and released on parole.
“Sebinane appeared before the Mafeteng Magistrate’s Court, where he was formally charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Nteboheleng Linake,” Supt Mohai said.
“He is alleged to have strangled her to death following an argument and later stabbed her with a sharp object.”
Police allege the couple had a dispute after Nteboheleng went to a tavern and only returned home the following day.
“Sebinane reportedly admitted to police that he strangled her until she died before disposing of her body in a shallow grave,” Supt Mohai said.
He added that the mutilated remains of the deceased were later exhumed near the Ha Motlere dam in Mafeteng after she was reported missing on 15 December 2025.
Mafeteng District Administrator, Bonang Moranye, said Sebinane led police to the burial site during questioning.
He reportedly told police that he transported the body using a wheelbarrow before burying it at Ha Motlere.
Mr Moranye also said Sebinane had previously been convicted of raping another woman in the same village.
He expressed concern about Sebinane’s mental state, noting that the crime was allegedly committed shortly after his release from custody.
He also indicated that neighbours had long described the relationship as toxic and characterised by frequent disputes.
Mr Moranye said the incident had caused deep pain and embarrassment within the community, particularly as authorities had been intensifying efforts to curb crime in the district.
“Among the measures introduced are community awareness campaigns discouraging late-night movements and alcohol-related violence,” he said.
The case has been remanded for further investigations, and Sebinane remains in custody pending his next court appearance.
Nteboheleng’s aunt, Mamthimkhulu Matsoso of Ha Matala, said the family was still reeling from the tragedy.
“She was my sister’s child, and her disappearance has left us devastated,” Ms Matsoso said.
She said Nteboheleng went missing on 14 December after visiting her elder sister to deliver vegetables. Although she did not spend the day there, she never returned home, and her whereabouts remained unknown.
“When she stopped answering her phone and went quiet on social media, we became deeply worried. Her elder sister began asking about her, but the explanations we received were confusing and kept changing.”
According to Ms Matsoso, Sebinane initially insisted that Nteboheleng was safe, raising suspicion among family members as she remained missing. Her last known online activity was reportedly on Facebook on 15 December.
She added that the couple had begun their relationship in October after Sebinane arrived in the area in September while looking for accommodation.
“We trusted him and believed he would protect her. It is heartbreaking to now learn that he is the one suspected of taking her life.”
The family reported Nteboheleng’s disappearance to the police, whose investigations eventually led them to Sebinane.
“When she first went missing, we feared the worst and even began searching for her, but we never imagined the painful and shocking circumstances under which she was finally found.”
