Maseru,Sept.05--- A case in which four police officers are charged with the murder of their colleague Police Constable Mokalekale Khetheng, which was scheduled for hearing today, could not proceed due to unavailability of a presiding judge Justice Charles Hungwe.

It was also disclosed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Adv. Hlalefang Motinyane that the prosecution has requested for a transcribed record of proceedings in the case which is not yet available.

The defence through Adv. Karabo Mohau (KC) stated that they are ready, as they have always been, to proceed with the matter.

The case was postponed to Monday next week by Justice Tseliso Mokoko on behalf of the presiding judge.

The case has recently been characterised by several postponements due to, among others, unavailability of the presiding judge, withdrawal by prosecution lawyers and request for postponement by the DPP to familiarise herself with the case before taking over from the lawyers who withdrew from the case. 

A recent witness to testify in the matter is Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Mr. Tseliso Moerane.    

Thabo Tsukulu, Mothibe Mofolo, Mabitle Matona and Haleokoe Taasoane are in this case charged with various offences including murder, perjury and defeating the ends of justice which occurred in 2016.    

It is alleged that the deceased met his death following his arrest by the Hlotse Police. The defence insisted that the deceased disappeared from the police station  when he was to meet his superiors.

The accused were initially charged with former Minister Tseliso Mokhosi whose charges against him have been withdrawn. They were also charged with Former Commissioner of Police Molahlehi Letsoepa who reportedly fled the country.