Lesotho Defence Force Murder Case Involving Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli Set for 2025 Trial
A high-profile case involving several members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), including retired Army Commander Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli, has been scheduled to proceed on June 16, 2025. The accused are charged with the murder of their colleague, Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao, a case that has garnered significant public attention.
The prosecution in the matter has already presented the testimony of 32 witnesses, with Major Tau Tau set to be the final witness. Major Tau Tau’s testimony has provided crucial insight into the events surrounding the murder and the workings within the military. He testified that in 2017, he was attached to the Ordnance, a sub-unit within the logistics unit of the LDF, where Colonel Phaila served as the director.
During his testimony, Major Tau Tau recalled a 2014 request for pistols and rifles made to the Ordnance, indicating that the weapons were issued to the Military Intelligence unit. The witness further stated that he personally issued some of these weapons, a key detail that ties into the broader context of the military environment leading up to Mahao’s tragic death.
The case has recently made headlines following an application filed by the Mahao family, which seeks the reinstatement of Advocate Shaun Abrahams as the lead prosecutor. Abrahams had initially withdrawn his services from the case after not receiving payment from the Government of Lesotho. His departure had raised concerns about the progress and integrity of the trial. The Mahao family’s application aims to ensure that the prosecution remains strong and effective in seeking justice for the slain officer.
The case continues to be closely watched, as it involves high-ranking members of the LDF and highlights the ongoing tensions within Lesotho’s military and political landscape. The upcoming trial in 2025 is expected to further unravel the events leading to Mahao’s death and potentially shed light on the broader dynamics of the LDF at the time.
