…as he is sentenced to 26 years in prison
Moorosi Tsiane
HIGH Court Judge, ‘Maliepollo Makhetha, has issued a stern warning to perpetrators of gender violence after sentencing Limpho Lethunya to 26 years in prison for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, former Nedbank Service Manager and Lesotho Sport and Recreation Commission (LSRC) Commissioner, ‘Mathabo Lelimo.
Justice Makhetha said the devastating impact of Lethunya’s actions, which not only ended Ms Lelimo’s life but also left her young son without a mother, were wholly inexcusable.
She said such crimes demand a strong judicial response to deter others from committing similar acts. Lethunya’s sentence, she added, was a reflection of the court’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence and protecting women’s rights.
Lethunya was convicted on 20 October 2024 for the murder of Ms Lelimo, who was found dead in a pool of blood in their shared home in Sea-Point, Maseru, on 16 May 2021.
Her younger sister, ‘Maselebalo, discovered the body, marking the tragic end of a young woman’s life filled with promise and ambition.
In delivering the sentence on Friday, Justice Makhetha described Lethunya’s actions as a brutal and unjustified crime, underscoring the need for a harsh punishment.
“Considering the seriousness of the offense and the circumstances under which the murder was committed, it is my view that a severe sentence is necessary to serve justice for the deceased’s family and reflect the gravity of the crime,” she said.
Lethunya’s lawyer, Advocate Tšooana Mosokotso, had pleaded for leniency, saying Lethunya was a first-time offender who had been in a good relationship with Ms Lelimo before the incident. He also said his client was raising two children and working odd jobs to support them.
However, Crown counsel, Adv Lehlohonolo Phooko, argued that these factors did not mitigate the seriousness of the crime.
Justice Makhetha agreed with the Crown, ruling that while extenuating circumstances spared Lethunya from the death penalty, they did not warrant a lenient sentence.
“He brutally took the life of a young, innocent woman who had ambitions of building a better life for her seven-year-old son. This family has been robbed of their daughter, and the trauma of this killing will leave a lifetime impact on Ms Lelimo’s loved ones. A harsh punishment is necessary to reform the accused and serve as a deterrent to others,” Justice Makhetha said.
The court heard evidence that Lethunya had assaulted Ms Lelimo by repeatedly banging her head on ceramic tiles and walls, causing fatal injuries. Bloodstains on the floor, walls, and curtains corroborated the brutality of the assault. The prosecution presented evidence from five witnesses, including the deceased’s young son and her sister.
In his defence, Lethunya claimed intoxication and provocation, alleging that he had seen romantic WhatsApp messages between Ms Lelimo and another man. The defence relied solely on Lethunya’s testimony.
Justice Makhetha dismissed his defence, stating, “These injuries and the bloodstains indicate merciless, intentional actions. There is no doubt that the accused acted with direct intent to kill Ms Lelimo.”
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