–As another ritual murder grips nation
Hopolang Mokhopi
YET another suspected ritual murder has shocked the country after a 26-year-old man, Katleho Mpharoane, was accused of murdering two children, aged four and two, and allegedly consumed their body parts at Tšakholo in Mafeteng.
Parliament this week expressed horror over the incident and called for counselling and rehabilitation support for the bereaved parents.
According to police reports, Mpharoane, who originates in Ha Abia in Maseru, was being trained as a traditional healer by the children’s mother and was staying with the family.
On 13 May 2026, the children’s parents reportedly travelled to Mafeteng town, leaving the children in Mpharoane’s care.
Upon returning home, they found the children missing. When questioned, Mpharoane allegedly claimed he had fallen into a deep sleep and did not know where the children had gone.
A search party was launched, and the children were found murdered the following day.
It is alleged that Mpharoane used a sharp object to kill the children before cutting flesh from their armpits, which he allegedly braaied and consumed.
Mpharoane was subsequently arrested and appeared before the Mafeteng Magistrate’s Court yesterday on two counts of murder.
According to the charge sheet, “on the 13th May 2026, the accused at or near Ha-Maine Tšakholo, unlawfully and intentionally murdered one Ramokobo Maine and Ramoshoeshoe Maine by stabbing them with a knife, causing fatal injuries”.
He was remanded in custody and is expected to return to court on 3 June 2026.
The court informed him that he could apply for bail before the Southern Division of the High Court in Mohale’s Hoek, which has jurisdiction over murder cases.
Thaba-Phechela Member of Parliament, Mohau Hlalele, also briefed Parliament on the incident yesterday, expressing concern over the brutal killing of the two young brothers.
Mr Hlalele said ritual-related crimes continued to plague Lesotho and called for counselling services for the grieving family.
He said the children’s father told him they had left the boys in the care of the trainee healer while travelling to Mafeteng town, as they normally did.
However, upon returning home, they discovered the children were missing.
“It was around 5pm last Wednesday when the whole village joined the search for the missing children,” Mr Hlalele said.
He said the children were discovered the following day near their home by women who had joined the search effort.
“We searched everywhere, including toilets, but the children were found brutally murdered. The person responsible is the trainee who was left with them.
“He reportedly ate pieces of their flesh which he had braaied. The police confirmed this information.
“It’s true that the accused has been arrested and a case has been opened. He originates from Maseru district.”
He stressed that the bereaved parents urgently needed counselling and appealed for guidance on where government assistance could be sought.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Tlohang Sekhamane, condemned what he described as disturbing ritual practices occurring in the country.
He expressed disappointment over beliefs that allegedly drive such killings.
“This is so sad, and the worst part is cultural beliefs — strange beliefs that if certain rituals are performed, they will bring benefits,” Mr Sekhamane said.
He said it was embarrassing that people continued to commit such acts in the name of tradition while gaining nothing from them.
“These rituals are happening throughout the country and refuse to stop,” he added.
Mr Sekhamane said he did not want to direct a specific ministry to intervene but urged the government to deploy the appropriate authorities to assist the family without interfering with police investigations.
“The government can offer counselling and assistance in any way it can,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Basotho Action Party (BAP) Women’s League issued a statement condemning the brutal killing of the two children.
The league expressed condolences to the bereaved family and the wider community.
“This tragedy has profoundly affected their family, friends, and the wider community. We pray that God grants them strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time,” the statement read.
The league called on the government, security agencies, child rights organisations, community leaders, churches, and development partners to intensify efforts to protect children.
“We also urge traditional healers and community practitioners to work together to eradicate harmful practices associated with ritual killings.
“Communities must support police investigations to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. Given that two families are shattered by this tragedy, we also call on lawmakers to strengthen legislation to deter such heinous crimes,” the statement said.
