Kabelo Masoabi
THE continued release on bail of people accused of “premeditated” murder back into the same communities where they allegedly committed their crimes is fuelling a cycle of revenge killings, with the latest incident in Peka leaving seven men facing murder charges.
Ironically, the seven avengers from Ha Lepapa, Peka, are languishing in remand prison after they were denied bail by the Northern Division of the High Court over the killing of two men and the burning of a seven-roomed house in June 2026.
Their case follows the death of 49-year-old Mosala Rathaba, who was allegedly killed by angry villagers after being released on bail in a case involving the murder of his neighbour, Monama Monama.
Rathaba had also previously been granted bail in a separate case involving alleged malicious damage to the same neighbour’s property. The property dispute is believed to have been linked to a longstanding disagreement over a pathway separating their homes.
The latest developments illustrate how the release of murder accused back into communities already gripped by anger and fear can become a flashpoint for further violence, with alleged offenders becoming victims of revenge and those accused of retaliating facing the full force of the law.
However, while communities may feel aggrieved when suspects return home before their cases are concluded, taking the law into their own hands only compounds the tragedy, leaving more families mourning and more people behind bars.
The seven accused — Ramakoloi Ramateletse, 44, Mphapo Sebata, 44, Mpelu Matita, 43, Tau Ramateletse, 39, Fusi Seperenkane, 40, Malitsane Phateli, 38, and Chere Mosi, 38 — appeared before the Tšifa-li-Mali Magistrates’ Court facing murder and malicious damage to property charges.
The court denied them bail and remanded them at the correctional facility. They are expected to return to court on 27 October 2026.
Bail release followed by deadly retaliation
Detective Police Constable (DPC) Moeketsi Leteane of the Hlotse Criminal Investigation Office told the court during the bail hearing this week that police received a report in June 2026 that residents of Ha Lepapa had killed two men and burned a seven-roomed house.
Leteane said investigations established that Rathaba had previously been arrested on suspicion of murdering his neighbour, Monama, and damaging property. He was subsequently granted bail while awaiting trial.
According to the police evidence, Rathaba and 37-year-old Ralekhoecha Nthebe were attacked by villagers on 22 June 2026 and later died. Their bodies were subsequently burned, while Rathaba’s house was allegedly set alight during the incident.
Rathaba’s wife narrowly escaped the blaze.
Information gathered during the investigation led police to the seven suspects, who were arrested on 8 October 2026, Leteane said.
From property dispute to alleged contract killing
Rathaba’s death came after he and his 38-year-old wife, ‘Matsoakae Rathaba, were arrested in connection with the alleged contract killing of their 57-year-old neighbour.
Detective Sergeant Abiel Ponoane of the Peka Criminal Investigations Division told the court that unidentified gunmen shot the victim several times shortly after 6pm on 16 April 2026.
The victim was taken to Berea Hospital before being transferred to Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital in Maseru, where he later died, Ponoane said.
Police investigations subsequently led to the arrest of the Rathabas on 16 and 17 April, respectively.
Police allege that Rathaba hired two men from Liphakoeng, Peka, for M10,000 to kill his neighbour. The allegation formed part of the criminal case against him and had not been determined by a court.
The couple was initially remanded in custody but later granted bail pending trial.
According to police reports, villagers subsequently confronted the couple at their home, assaulted them and set the house alight while Rathaba was inside. Rathaba died in the fire, while his wife reportedly escaped.
Police Officer Malefane, who assists the commander at Peka Police Station, confirmed that Rathaba had been burned to death inside the house.
The violence unfolded against the background of a longstanding dispute between the neighbours over a pathway separating their properties.
Court records show that Rathaba had also appeared before the Leribe Magistrate’s Court on 7 April 2026 in connection with a separate charge of malicious damage to property involving the same neighbour. He was granted bail of M3,000.
Police Constable Mohlongoana Rafoneke of the Peka Investigations Office told the court that the complainant alleged Rathaba vandalised his property on 31 May 2025 during an altercation linked to the pathway dispute.
Rafoneke said Rathaba allegedly broke windows at the complainant’s house, punctured his vehicle’s tyres and damaged household property before fleeing to South Africa.
Police later received information that Rathaba was hiding at his wife’s residence, leading to his arrest on 4 April 2026, Rafoneke said.
The sequence of events exposes the devastating potential of unresolved disputes and alleged criminal conduct when anger spills over into retaliatory violence.
‘Fourth revenge-related murder’
Kolonyama Constituency Member of Parliament Mahlathene Lempe said he had received reports of Rathaba’s death and expressed concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of revenge-related killings in the Leboea area and surrounding villages.
“If I recall correctly, this is the fourth revenge-related murder to occur in this area and its surrounding villages,” Lempe said.
He said he intended to work with police, community councillors and other relevant authorities to organise public gatherings aimed at educating residents about the consequences of taking the law into their own hands.
“These acts of revenge continue to claim lives and must come to an end,” he said.
Residents were reportedly reluctant to discuss the incident for fear of possible retaliation.
On 27 July 2026, the Principal Chief of Tsikoane, Peka and Kolobere, Pontšo Mathealira, and Leribe police management visited the area following the killings.
Superintendent Halieo Ntokoane of Leribe said the visit followed the deaths of Rathaba and Nthebe, who were allegedly assaulted and burned. She said the suspected motive was the belief that the two men were disturbing the peace in the area.
Ntokoane, who heads the Hlotse Criminal Investigation Office, urged residents not to allow emotions to dictate their actions.
She warned that anger could lead people to make serious mistakes and appealed to communities to allow the courts to deal with criminal allegations rather than resorting to violence.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police in Leribe, Mpolokeng Shale, urged residents to work closely with the police and resolve disputes through dialogue to prevent further killings.
Chief Mathealira called on community members to provide truthful information to help police restore peace and bring suspects before the courts. She also reminded traditional leaders of their responsibility to report suspicious activities and help prevent crime.
