…rogue cops accused of causing permanent head injury
Moorosi Tsiane
A BEREA family is demanding M6 million compensation from the Commissioner of Police, Borotho Matsoso, after some rogue officers allegedly caused a road incident that left the family’s breadwinner permanently disabled in August 2023.
Mphale Khoahlape and his wife, Masefo, have dragged the police boss before the High Court, accusing his officers of recklessness that caused Mr Khoahlape to suffer severe head injuries after he was allegedly forced to fall from a speeding police van.
According to court papers filed this week, the incident occurred on the night of 15 August 2023, at around 8:00 pm, near the ZCC Church at Mookoli.
Mr Khoahlape said he was on his way home to Koalabata from Leribe when he made a U-turn at Khubetsoana Maqhekung to avoid a long traffic queue.
Officer Commanding Pitso Ground Police Station, Commissioner Matsoso, and the Attorney General, Adv Rapelang Motsieloa KC, are cited as first, second and third respondents in the case.
“On or around 15 August 2023, about 8:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., I was on my way home to Koalabata in the direction of Maseru from Leribe when I made a U-turn at Khubetsoana Maqhekung because there was a long queue of traffic and I intended to use a different route. “However, the police driving a van with registration number MN 205 came after my car (white van registration number M1379) and stopped it. It was dark and I thought the people after me were car hijackers, so I resisted opening the window, but eventually I did and was ordered to come out of the car so that the police would search for weapons (sic),” submits Mr Khoahlape.
He says he was then allegedly instructed to board the back of a police van while one officer drove off in his car. The police vehicle, however, reportedly sped off recklessly, causing him to fall head-first onto the road.
“I only remember holding on to steady myself, and from there I remember nothing,” Mr Khoahlape adds.
He was later rushed to Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for more than a week.
The family claims the ordeal left Mr Khoahlape with a permanent damage. He now suffers from dementia, constant pain, and physical impairment, which prevent him from working or providing for his family as he used to.
“I now require constant assistance, even for basic things I used to do on my own,” he submits.
In her supporting statement, Masefo reveals that their household finances collapsed as medical bills and transport costs drained the family’s savings.
She says their frustration deepened when police allegedly accused Mr Khoahlape of “throwing himself out of the car” instead of acknowledging the officers’ recklessness.
However, according to Masefo, a senior officer identified as Police Officer Sehloho later admitted to her that he was in charge of the roadblock operation. He reportedly guided her through filing a claim under Section 14 of Order No. 18 of 1972 for possible compensation from LNIG Hollard Insurance.
The family says the M12 000 payout from LNIG Hollard was grossly inadequate given the extent of the damage, insisting that they deserve direct accountability from the police leadership.
They are therefore demanding M6 million in damages, citing loss of amenities of life, medical expenses, emotional shock, pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of earnings, and loss of support.
“The police have ruined my life, and I humbly pray this Honourable Court grants me the relief I seek,” Mr Khoahlape said.
