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April 24, 2021

STAFF REPORTER

2 min read

Lawyer ditches accused in Khetheng murder trial

Lawyer ditches accused in Khetheng murder trial

The first accused Senior Superintendent Thabo Tšukulu

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A LAWYER defending one of the police officers accused of the murder of Police Constable Mokalekale Khetheng has ditched his client due to unpaid legal fees.

King’s Counsel Karabo Mohau on Friday informed the High Court that he will no longer represent the first accused, Senior Superintendent Thabo Tšukulu because the state has not paid his pro deo fees.

Senior Counsel Shaun Abrahams who appears for the Crown said he was however, unaware of the development, accusing the defence of unprofessional conduct.

But he was quick to add that another lawyer will soon be appointed to replace KC Mohau in order for the trial which resumed on Thursday to continue.
All accused have pleaded not guilty to the murder and the case was postponed to next week to give the court time to replace Mohau.  

Tšukulu is charged along with three other police officers including Mabitle Matona, Mothibeli Mofolo and Haleokoe Taasoane for the murder of Khetheng on March 26, 2016.

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They are also charged alongside former Minister of Defence Tšeliso Mokhosi, former Police Commissioner Molahlehi Letsoepa and Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Tšeliso Moerane for the murder.

Khetheng went missing after he was arrested by his colleagues at a traditional feast in his home village of Sebothoane, Leribe on March 25, 2016.

His body was subsequently exhumed in August 2017 at a mass grave at the Lepereng cemetery on the outskirts of Maseru.

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