CRIME WATCH

LINEO MALATALIANA

Shepherd found with illicit arms

BEREA – Thapelo Tontši, a 35-year-old resident of Ha Boose, Berea, appeared before the Berea Magistrate Court on February 20, facing charges of illegal possession of a firearm and bullets.

Reports indicate that following a tip-off about the illicit firearm, the Ha ’Mamathe police initiated an investigation that led them to Tontši.

The accused was found herding livestock in possession of a 0.3-mm pistol and three bullets. When asked to produce documents authorising his ownership of the weapon, Tontši failed to do so.

He was apprehended on the same day and is scheduled to reappear in court on March 5.

He is currently held at the Correctional Service facility.

Suspected rapist in court

MASERU – Peiso Molapo, a 36-year-old resident of Ha Moahloli, Semonkong, will appear in the Maseru Magistrate Court on March 5, charged with the sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman.

On February 19, the Semonkong police received a report from the victim, who recounted an incident on February 16.

The victim claimed that she had asked Molapo for a lift from a bar in Ha Lepae that night. However, Molapo allegedly drove past her destination, and the assault occurred within the car.

Molapo was located and arrested by the police. He appeared in court on February 21, where he was granted bail of M500, which he promptly paid.

Matsieng up for murder

MASERU – Liau Khoabane, 36, of Mofu-Motse Matsieng, Maseru, appeared before the Maseru Magistrate Court on February 26 and was charged with the murder of ’Mafusi Khomari, a 24-year-old from Matekeleng Race, Matsieng, and illegal possession of a firearm.

It is alleged that on October 16, 2023, the Pitso Ground police received a tip-off about a woman’s corpse found at Ha Pena Pena, Maseru. Upon reaching the crime scene, they discovered the body had gunshot wounds and transferred it to the mortuary.

Subsequent investigations led the police to the deceased’s friend, who indicated that she was last seen with the suspect at a bar in Lithabaneng, Maseru.

The suspect later handed himself over to the police on February 23 with a 9mm pistol and nine bullets. Khoabane was arrested and presented before the court. He is currently awaiting his next court appearance, scheduled for March 5.