M32m Fokothi fraud scandal haunts top cop
DCP Makharilele charged in cover-up scheme
RANTAU TLALI MAKHETHA
MASERU – The decade-old M32 million corruption scandal at Lerotholi Polytechnic (LP) has resurfaced, this time ensnaring Deputy Commissioner of Police Sera Makharilele, who faces charges linked to alleged attempts to bury the high-profile case.
The scandal, which implicated former LP rector, Tsietsi Lebakae, and senior accountant Motale Nosi in a multi-million maloti fraud scheme, took a dramatic turn this week as Makharilele appeared before Magistrate ‘Mamorojele Qoo – only to secure temporary reprieve after his lawyer vowed to escalate the matter to the High Court of Lesotho.
The Public Accounts Committee had earlier uncovered that LP lost M32, 430 187.16 between 2007 and 2015 through fraudulent payments to nine South African companies for undelivered educational equipment. While Nosi confessed to forging signatures to siphon M16 million, Lebakae denied involvement, claiming he was deceived by Nosi’s fabricated delivery documents.
As head of the Commercial Crimes Counter Unit, Makharilele is accused of orchestrating a police record falsification scheme in 2017. Prosecutors allege he ordered junior officers to register backdated cases in the police Occurrence Book to create the illusion of active investigations – a move purportedly aimed at shielding high-profile suspects.
The Selibe Mochoboroane-led PAC had demanded swift action in its report, urging courts to finalize the case and the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) to recover the stolen funds within 30 days.
Testimonies revealed Lebakae’s role in channelling money to South African shell companies.
With Advocate Tekane Maqakachane leading the prosecution, the case now hinges on whether Makharilele’s procedural manoeuvres constituted obstruction.
His legal team, led by Advocate Motiea Teele KC, has informed the court of his intention to refer the case to the High Court of Lesotho. Makharilele was not remanded.
As the High Court prepares to weigh in, Lesotho’s fight against systemic corruption faces its most consequential test yet.
