Cop verdict today

MASERU — The High Court is today expected to deliver judgment in a case in which a police officer, Maphephe Pitiri, shot and killed a suspected robber who attacked him with an axe.
Detective Trooper Pitiri is facing a charge of murder for killing Jubile Pholoana on July 22, 1997 in Botha-Bothe.
He has already pleaded not guilty before High Court Judge T’seliso Monaphathi.
A police woman only identified as Chintja told the court that while they were on patrol, they received a message that someone was breaking into a vehicle which was parked nearby.
“A woman came to us reporting that there was somebody breaking into a car.
“We rushed outside and as we approached, the man retreated from a car and came to strike the accused with an axe,” Chitja said.
She said Pitiri then fired a shot to ward off the attack.
Defence lawyer, Advocate Motiea Teele, KC, said it was clear that Pitiri had fired the shot in self-defence.
“It is a clear case of self-defence showing that the accused had been attacked by the deceased with an axe on the chest,” Teele said.
He said there was no prima facie case against the accused.
“We ask the court to discharge the accused at this stage,” Teele said. 
The court is expected to deliver a ruling on the matter today. Advocate Peleha Joala is appearing for the crown.