A retired army colonel has asked for a government provided bodyguard, saying he fears for his life after seeing armed soldiers following him.
news
July 8, 2021
STAFF REPORTER
2 min read
Retired army colonel wants protection
One of the accused soldiers, former army chief Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli
Colonel Thato Phaila was testifying in the High Court on Thursday in a matter in which nine other soldiers are accused of the 2015 murder of former army commander, Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao.
The accused include former army chief Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli, Motsamai Fako, Motšoane Machae, Tšitso Ramoholi, Litekanyo Nyakane, Haleo Makara, Lekhooa Moepi, Marasi ’Moleli and Mohlalefi Seitlheko.
They are accused of the murder of Mahao on June 25, 2015 in Ha Lekete, Maseru.
They also face multiple charges including attempted murder, theft, obstruction of justice, damage to property, aggravated assault and risk of injury or death.
Phaila told the court that he was followed by alleged mutineers as he left the court on Tuesday evening.
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He said he identified the soldiers who followed him as Second Lieutenant Monne and one Mokhothu, whose name appears on the list of those who fled arrest around the same period that Mahao was killed.
He said another soldier who tailed him was a corporal who used to be based at the Makoanyane Military Hospital.
He told Justice Charles Hungwe that his life was in danger, refuting allegations that he was in the pocket of one ‘Metsing’. LeNA
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