MASERU – Former Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane has been formally charged with murder, attempted murder and malicious damage to property for the brutal and fatal shooting of his estranged wife Lipolelo Thabane
He joins his current wife Maesiah Thabane, who was charged last year.
They both appeared before Assistant Registrar Tebello Mokhoema, with a very limited number of their supporters comprising ABC legislators.
Outside some supporters chanted some slogans and hoisted some placards to show their support.
The now 82 year old leader of the lead party in governing coalition who stepped down as prime minister last year, is suspected to have received calls on his mobile phone from the site where Lipolelo was shot.
He appeared in chambers and his lawyer Qhalehang Letsika says the case will be heard from 8 March 2022.
His wife Maesiah is suspected to have masterminded the shooting and paid the gunman.
Lipolelo was shot while driving towards her house at Ha ‘Masana two days before Thabane was inaugurated as prime minister in 2017.
Lipolelo’s friend, Thato Sibolla, who was also shot but survived, initially fled the country fearing for life, but she has now been appointed to the Lesotho consulate in South Africa.
The case shall be heard on 8-10 March, 2022 before Justice Molefi Makara.
