The government had to source money meant for other projects to make up for the lost cash, evidence before court shows. For that reason, Advocate Baasi said Borotho should take responsibility of his actions and pay dearly as a way of prohibiting similar incidents from happening.

But Borotho’s lawyer Advocate Lepeli Molapo argued that there was no evidence suggesting that the crime was committed violently, adding the degree of violence always played a pivotal part in mitigating and aggravating factors. Advocate Molapo contended that the Crown through all its witnesses had failed to present before court any evidence suggesting aggravating circumstances in the case.

He further highlighted that despite the crime being an armed robbery, there were no fatalities during its commission. He said since his incarceration about three years ago, Borotho had become a changed man, adding he was now a religious man who was studying with University of South Africa (UNISA) through the assistance of the Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS).

Advocate Molapo pleaded with the court to consider the time his client had already served behind bars, saying that should at least impose a lighter sentence on him. Borotho was initially charged along with Khethisa Ntaitsane, Manti Nts’ohi and Libenyane Tau. But his three co-accused, Ntaitsane, Nts’ohi and Tau are still at large hence they will be tried separately when they are finally brought to book.