Kabelo Masoabi
A 35-year-old man from Maputsoe, Tanki Ramathateng, appeared before the Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday on a charge of robbery, where his attempt to delay proceedings on medical grounds was dismissed as a stalling tactic.
Ramathateng is jointly charged with two co-accused—siblings Potlaki Pule and Molefe Pule—who remain at large. The trio is accused of robbing Botleng Guesthouse in Ha Maqele, Maputsoe, in 2023.
The Crown alleges that the accused, acting in common purpose, used a toy firearm to threaten a clerk before stealing a business mobile phone. The phone was allegedly used to withdraw M800 via M-Pesa, along with a small amount of cash.
Before the trial could proceed, Ramathateng requested a postponement in chambers, claiming he was unable to follow proceedings due to severe tooth pain from decayed molars, which he said affected his hearing.
However, Senior Resident Magistrate Kabi rejected the application, noting that the accused had demonstrated the ability to understand and respond clearly during their interaction, casting doubt on his claims.
The court further observed that the alleged condition had not been raised earlier and was not confirmed by correctional officers.
Magistrate Kabi ruled that the accused was fit to stand trial and that the application was merely intended to delay proceedings.
Shortly after the ruling, Ramathateng changed course and invoked his constitutional right to legal representation, informing the court that he had secured a lawyer through legal aid and required time to prepare.
The court granted the request in the interest of a fair trial and postponed the matter to 7 January 2027.
The adjournment frustrated Crown witnesses, including one who had travelled from Cape Town, South Africa, to testify.
Investigating officer Police Constable Moshoeshoe expressed concern over repeated delays, saying the accused had previously sought postponements, including citing scheduling conflicts when he was representing himself.
He further alleged that Ramathateng has prior convictions for robbery-related offences, some involving knives, while his co-accused are reportedly incarcerated in South Africa for unrelated serious crimes.
According to the officer, the siblings, who are from Ha Polaki, had previously evaded arrest and missed the funerals of their mother and brother while on the run.
He also claimed that members of the Lesotho Defence Force had earlier recovered an illegal firearm linked to the group following a tip-off.
Police say Ramathateng fled after the Botleng Guesthouse robbery but later returned home, where he was arrested on 7 February 2024 by intelligence police acting on information. He has remained in custody since.
The case will resume in January 2027, when the accused is expected to stand trial with legal representation.
