’Marafaele Mohloboli
A THETSANE woman has been arrested and charged with the gruesome murders of four women in Koalabata, Berea on 1 August 2020.
‘Mabasia Makepe (40) appeared at the Maseru Magistrate’s Court on Monday and she was remanded in custody. She will next appear before the same court on 28 September 2020.
Police sources said Ms Makepe could also face charges of murdering her husband Makepe Makepe in July 2019.
Makepe is related to all the four women who were gunned down by unknown killers on the first day of women’s month which is commemorated in Lesotho to raise awareness on gender-based violence and women’s rights in general.
Makepe is alleged to have ordered the killing of her sister-in-law, ‘Maselone Lelakane (36), who was murdered along with three other female relatives.
The three other slain women are ‘Malehlohonolo Tšiame (60), her mother ‘Makali Molibeli (87) and ‘Matšooana Makepe (40).
They met their untimely deaths when unknown gunmen stormed Tšiame’s house and opened fire on them.
The killings came just days after two women were murdered by unknown killers in sperate incidents in Leribe district.
Commenting on Makepe’s arrest this week, police spokesperson Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli said: “she is the only one who has been apprehended as the assailants remain at large”.
Supt Mopeli said the trend of killings in the country was disturbing and urged the public to resolve their problems amicably without resorting to violence.
“Basotho can do better. We appeal to all those who have problems with one another to try and find amicable resolutions. Otherwise we are just going to continue having a vicious cycle full of endless killings, which in the end, affect innocent people,” Supt Mopeli said.
