…tried to coerce LEC customer into M59k fraud
Hopolang Mokhopi
A 44-year-old man, Mokhethoa Koekoetle, this week appeared before the Maseru Magistrate Court facing charges of fraud.
Magistrate Nkhethoa Molapo presided over the case, with Prosecutor Thabo Motlomelo formally presenting the charges of attempted fraud against Koekoetle.
According to the charge sheet: “On or about the 24th of July 2025, and at or near Maseru Mall in the district of Maseru, the accused did unlawfully, intentionally, and deliberately make a false representation or conceal from one ’Mamolipa Mpapa a fact which, under the circumstances, he had a duty to reveal.
“Specifically, that he had caused Lesotho Electricity Company to give her a discount on her M320 000 quotation for electricity supply for her houses to M261 000, with the intention that Ms Mpapa should act upon this representation to her detriment by giving him M28 000 as a reward for his efforts, knowing that he had not caused any discount. Ms Mpapa did not act upon the misrepresentation. The accused thus committed the offence of attempted fraud.”
During court proceedings, Koekoetle appeared in person as the charge was read and explained to him in a language he understood.
Magistrate Molapo informed Koekoetle, who had no legal representation, that he had the right to a lawyer of his choice and could apply for bail before the High Court. He was also advised that if he could not find a private lawyer, he had the right to seek assistance from Legal Aid.
The accused was further informed of the seriousness of the offence and the possible sentence should he be found guilty.
Koekoetle applied to be released on bail and stated that he would seek a lawyer. Crown Prosecutor, Motlomelo, did not object.
The accused explained his personal circumstances: he has a family to support, including a wife and three children, aged 13, 7, and 5, all attending school, while his wife is a just housewife without any income. He is currently unemployed and earns a living by installing electricity in houses when opportunities arise, while also supporting his elderly mother.
Magistrate Molapo, having considered the accused’s circumstances, the Crown’s lack of objection, and the nature of the offence, granted bail under the conditions that he pays a bail deposit of M5000, surety of M10 000 or a person residing in Maseru with property to act as surety, must not interfere with Crown witnesses, attend all remand and stand trial to finality.
The magistrate said investigations had been completed and Koekoetle was given a chance to secure a lawyer. He was remanded to 2 September 2025.
