Moorosi Tsiane
MURDER accused Qamo Matela has decided not to testify in his wife’s murder case.
Matela is currently standing trial in the High Court for the murder of his wife, ‘Mahlompho Matela (nee Rethabile Mofolo), who died in hospital after he allegedly brutally assaulted her over a dispute involving a mere M20.
The trial, which is nearing completion, failed to proceed on Monday due to the absence of two South African doctors, one Dr Mosese and another Dr Moopela, who Mr Matela has called as witnesses.
The case was therefore postponed to today by presiding judge, Justice Tṧeliso Mokoko.
Matela’s lawyer, Advocate Lepeli Molapo, told the court on Monday that he no longer intended to have Matela testify in his own defence, but instead would call the two South African doctors who attended to ‘Mahlompho before she died.
Adv Molapo, who was supposed to begin leading the evidence of his client’s witnesses, then asked the court to postpone the matter to Thursday (today) because Dr Mosese would only be available then.
Adv Molapo further told the court that Dr Moopela had informed him that he will only be available after 7 March 2024.
Crown Counsel, Adv Pelea Joala, did not oppose the application for postponement and Justice Mokoko granted it accordingly.
The 38-year-old Matela hogged the headlines in September 2021 after being accused of murdering his wife, ‘Mahlompho. It has been alleged that he beat her to death in rage after she allegedly failed to give his mother M20 she had requested from her.
The Crown has completed its evidence of six witnesses namely; Rorisang Mofolo (deceased’s sister), Lekhooa Monaleli (Matela’s family friend), Detective Inspector Moeketsi Moeketsi, one Seargent Maqabe, Pathologist Dr Lefatle Phakoana and Maseru Private Hospital nurse Tselane Motsie.
The court has also admitted five other witness statements including from neighbours and Dr Kolobe and Dr Maketi who attended to the deceased at Maseru private Hospital before transferring her to Bloemfontein.
