…as High Court defers bail hearing to May
Hopolang Mokhopi
THE Federation of Lesotho Trade Unions (FELETU) has urged the High Court to deny bail to Foliki Makhutle, the man accused of murdering Lesotho Nursing and Midwifery Organisation (LeNMO) secretary, Morephe Santi.
Makhutle, 42, of Sekamaneng Khetheleng, stands accused of murdering Mr Santi by shooting him six times on 10 April 2026.
He was charged by the Berea Magistrate’s Court last week when he appeared before Magistrate Molemo Monethi.
Acting on the advice of Magistrate Monethi to apply for bail before the High Court, Makhutle attempted to move his bail bid before Justice ‘Mabatšoeneng Hlaele on Tuesday this week. However, his matter was deferred to 11 May 2026 after the Crown filed its intention to oppose.
Bail application
In his bail bid, Makhutle claims he acted in self-defence. He alleges that on the day of the incident, Mr Santi arrived at his home while intoxicated and holding a bottle of Savanna cider. According to the application, the deceased demanded payment of the money he (Makhutle) owed him (Santi), and became aggressive, allegedly pushing the accused.
An altercation ensued, during which, Makhutle claims, Mr Santi struck him in the face with the bottle, causing him to fall. He alleges that while he was still on the ground, Mr Santi advanced towards him, prompting him to draw his firearm and shoot in what he describes as self-defence.
“The act of shooting the deceased was in self-defence as his life was in imminent danger,” the application states.
Makhutle further claims that he and others present rushed Mr Santi to Mabote Clinic, where he was declared dead on arrival. He says he then surrendered himself to Mabote Police Station.
He maintains that he has no previous convictions, faces no pending charges, and has cooperated fully with police. He also undertakes to stand trial to finality.
Describing himself as a sole breadwinner, Makhutle told the court he supports his unemployed wife and three minor children. He said he is an independent construction contractor and risks losing contracts if he remains in custody for a prolonged period.
He has asked the court to grant him bail of M1500, arguing that his fixed residence and family ties make him unlikely to abscond. He also undertakes not to interfere with witnesses or investigations.
The Crown had not yet filed its response to the bail application at the time of publication.
Police version
However, preliminary police reports present a different account of events.
Detective Woman Police Constable ’Makatleho Seliane of the Mabote Criminal Investigation Division said Mr Santi, described as a family friend, had visited Makhutle’s home on April 10 in the company of another person.
He had reportedly gone there to view a project belonging to Makhutle’s wife. After inspecting the project, Mr Santi and Makhutle’s wife allegedly continued talking outside.
“It is alleged that the accused then came out and ordered the deceased to stop talking about him. He attacked the deceased with fists, and the deceased fought back. The accused then drew a firearm and shot the deceased six times,” police said.
Police confirmed that Makhutle later surrendered at Mabote Police Station and handed over a 7.65mm pistol, stating that he had killed a person.
FELETU
In a strongly worded statement issued from its Maseru headquarters, FELETU said that while it respects the constitutional right of an accused person to apply for bail, Makhutle’s alleged history of violent crime makes him a danger to society.
“Reports indicate that this is not the first murder he has allegedly committed, which demonstrates a pattern of disregard for human life and the rule of law,” the federation said.
FELETU cited three main grounds for opposing bail: the threat to public safety posed by a repeat offender, the risk of witness intimidation, and the seriousness of the offence.
“A repeat offender accused of multiple murders cannot be reasonably trusted to abide by bail conditions, as his past conduct suggests a high likelihood of reoffending,” the statement said.
The federation added that denying bail would reinforce public confidence in the justice system’s ability to protect victims and uphold the rule of law.
Mr Santi, referred to as “Comrade SANTI” in the statement, served as secretary of LeNMO. FELETU has called on workers and members of the public to support its call for justice through peaceful means.
“Justice for Cde SANTI, the family and workers,” the statement concluded.
Nurses also gathered at the magistrate’s court during the accused’s first appearance to show support for the deceased. Rafaele Tlali, one of those present, told the Lesotho Times they were standing in solidarity with “one of their legends”.
“We heard that he said it was not his intention to kill the deceased. How can he shoot six times and then say he didn’t mean to kill him? The accused must rot in jail,” Tlali said.
