Hopolang Mokhopi
A LIQHOBONG Diamond Mine employee has appeared in court accused of stealing 19 diamonds worth an estimated M1 million.
Telekiso Lekoko, (32), of Motete Moreneng, in Butha-Buthe, is remanded in custody and is expected back in court on 23 June 2023.
Addressing a media briefing this week, Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) deputy spokesperson, Inspector ‘Mareabetsoe Mofoka, confirmed the accused’s arrest and appearance in court.
“On 7 May 2023, the company saw something strange on the cameras, and upon further probing, discovered that it was Telekiso Lekoko who had stolen some diamonds that he hid in his shoes,” Inspector Mofoka said.
The company’s security officers searched him and found eight diamonds.
Lekoko’s house was later raided by the police and members of the mine’s management. Eleven more diamonds were found in his wardrobe.
Liqhobong Mine is operated by Liqhobong Mine Development Company (Proprietary)Limited (LMDC), which is 75 percent owned by Firestone Diamonds and 25 percent by the Government of Lesotho.
Operations at the Liqhobong Mine are now in full swing after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, mainly as a result of Covid-19. Continuous operations had resumed from 1 October 2022.
