Hopolang Mokhopi
A Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) lance sergeant, Liteboho Makhakhe, has found himself in trouble with the law again, this time accused of assaulting and shooting at colleagues stationed at Hoohlo Police Station.
Makhakhe, who was charged in 2022 with unlawful possession and illegal sale of a firearm, appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court facing four charges, including aggravated assault and unlawful discharge of a firearm.
The firearm in the 2022 case was allegedly used in the commission of a robbery in Mafeteng on an unspecified date. He was released on bail in that matter.
In the latest case, Makhakhe appeared before Resident Magistrate Thabang Tapole, represented by Advocate Tumelo Qhophe, while the Crown was represented by Advocate Seeng Monyane.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences were committed on 27 February 2026 at or near Hoohlo Police Station in Maseru.
On the first count, Makhakhe is charged with aggravated assault for allegedly hitting Ntsane Moeketsi on the head with a firearm, with the intention of causing grievous bodily harm. The charge sheet alleges that Moeketsi sustained grievous injuries.
On the second count, Makhakhe is accused of assaulting Malikhapha Letsie by allegedly slapping her in the face and injuring her left hand, causing bruising.
The third count relates to an alleged contravention of Section 27 of the Internal Security (General) Act of 1984. He is accused of unlawfully using obscene, abusive or insulting language towards his employer in circumstances allegedly resulting in a breach of the peace.
The fourth count is brought under Section 32(1), read with Section 109, of the Penal Code Act No. 6 of 2010.
Makhakhe is also accused of firing several shots at the police officers at Hoohlo Police Station on the same day.
During a bail application, Adv Qhophe told the court that Makhakhe remains employed by the police and is stationed at Hoohlo.
He said Makhakhe was married with two children and that his wife is unemployed.
Adv Qhophe argued that the accused would not abscond and would comply with any conditions imposed by the court, including reporting to the police whenever required.
The Crown did not oppose bail but asked the court to impose stringent conditions, arguing that Makhakhe had a propensity to commit offences.
Adv Monyane referred to another case, CR 305/21, in which Makhakhe is accused of unlawful possession and sale of firearms.
“He was out on bail in that case, and is now again before court in a case involving the shooting of his colleagues,” Adv Monyane told the court.
The Crown further informed the court that Makhakhe’s deployment or holding status within the police was still pending.
The prosecution proposed a bail deposit of M5000 and security of M10 000.
Magistrate Tapole granted Makhakhe bail on condition that he pay a M5000 bail deposit and provide a serving police officer as surety for M10 000.
The magistrate further ordered him not to engage in criminal activities while on bail, to attend his monthly remand and trial proceedings until finalisation of the case, and not to intimidate or interfere with potential Crown witnesses.
Makhakhe was ordered to reappear before the same court on 15 September 2026 for set-down of his case.
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