Soldier suspected of mass murderer rejects state lawyer
The disgraced soldier accused of killing an elderly woman and her two grandchildren has turned down the services of a state-appointed attorney, forcing the High Court to postpone the matter.
Moagi Mokomeng faces nine charges in total, the most serious being the brutal murders of Elizabeth Ramolala, 68, Alefha Ramolala, 16, and Katlego Ramolala, 8, in Kgomokasitwa village on 25 February 2025.
Appearing before High Court Judge, Matlhogonolo Phuthego this week, the suspected mass murderer’s lawyer, Keorapetse Sambere, asked to be excused from the case.
Sambere told court he was recently assigned to represent Lance Corporal Mokomeng, 35, but only managed to meet him for the first time a day earlier.
According to the lawyer, the meeting was brief, during which time the accused revealed he was never informed that a state-funded attorney had been appointed for him.
Sambere added his would-be client made it crystal clear he did not want his services and thus asked court to release him from the matter.
Seeking clarity, Judge Phuthego questioned the suspected serial-killer about whether he already had legal representation.
In response, Mokomeng maintained he was being represented by Ngaakagae Attorneys, although he could not identify the lawyer currently handling his case, explaining the attorney who had previously represented him has since left the firm.
Mokomeng further disclosed that the same firm was representing him in another matter before the Lobatse courts, adding he expects to meet his lawyer ahead of the continuation of those proceedings in July.
Unconvinced that the suspect’s legal arrangements were in order, Judge Phuthego nevertheless granted Sambere’s request to withdraw from the case.
The matter was subsequently postponed to 7 November for status update, with Mokomeng once again remanded behind bars.
Aside from the three murder charges, he faces two counts of attempted murder involving Happy Ramolala and a policeman, Thabo Dibotelo, as well as arson and malicious damage to property.
It is thought Mokomeng shot his three victims dead before burning their bodies.
