MASERU - Police have confirmed that the former First Lady, ’Maesaiah Thabane, finally reported herself to the police and is now safely locked up at the Maseru Central female prison where she will await her trial or bail application following set procedures in the Court of Appeal.
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June 3, 2020
TEBOHO JAFETA
2 min read
'Maesaiah goes to jail
Former First Lady 'Maesaiah Thabane
Police spokesperson Superintendent Mpiti Mopeli, told Metro that the suspect and her lawyer reported to the police on Wednesday morning.
“The suspect and her lawyer reported to the police, from there she went to court before she was taken to prison where she is to remain as her bail procedures are being put in place,” Mopeli said.
’Maesaiah was wanted by the police after the Appeal Court on Friday ruled that a decision by the High Court to grant her bail was irregular and invalid.
The court therefore set that decision aside and the petition for bail was referred back to the High Court for determination by another judge.
’Maesaiah was reported missing by the police after she allegedly accompanied her husband - former Prime Minister Motsoahae Thabane, to South Africa where he had gone to seek medical attention.
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Thabane celebrated his 81st birthday on Thursday last week, after handing over the reins of government to a new coalition led by Dr Moeketsi Majoro the previous week.
’Maesaiah is accused of the murder of Thabane’s estranged wife Lipolelo who was gunned down outside her Ha ’Masana residence on the outskirts of Maseru in June 2017, two days before Thabane’s inauguration.
Thabane also stands to be charged with the same murder after he dodged formal charge as his lawyers argued that a sitting head of government cannot stand charged in court.
Police have since shown that they have a strong case against the Thabane’s and were against the granting of bail to ’Maesaiah.
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