Maseru, Nov.20-- A case in which four army members are charged with attempted murder of Former Editor of the Lesotho Times and Sunday Express newspapers Lloyd Mutungamiri, has been scheduled to proceed on January 08-10 2024. 

The Court has in this case recently heard evidence of an accomplice witness Lieutenant Mahanyane Phusumane after the previous evidence he gave in July this year was expunged and the court directed that his evidence starts afresh.   

The previous evidence was led while there was no electronic recording following a viral attack on the recording system within the judiciary and the defence challenged that. They insisted that the evidence should be electronically recorded. 

In his evidence Phusumane has related his role in the alleged commission of the offences the accused are charged with.  

He was on July 25, 2022, introduced as the accomplice witness but his evidence was interrupted by the defence who raised an objection against him testifying as the accomplice witness in the matter.   

The defence moved an application in terms of section 22 (3) of the Constitution seeking a referral to the High Court. Their application was however dismissed by the court thus resulting in Phusumane continuing with his testimony.     

The accused, Rapele Mphaki who was Chief Defence Intelligence in 2016 together with Khutang Mochesane, Nyatso Tsoeunyane and Maribe Nathane are charged with contravention of section 22(1) read with 109 of Penal Code Act No.6 of 2010.     

It is alleged that on July 09 2016 at or near Ha Thamae in Maseru, acting in concert or common purpose, they shot Mutungamiri and inflicted serious injuries on him.            

The Court has in this matter already heard evidence from the complainant/victim (Mutungamiri). He has in his evidence related how he was attacked and injured as well as how the injuries have affected his health and life in general.       

The prosecution is in this case represented by Advocates Rethabile Setlojoane and Lehlohonolo Phooko while the defence is represented by Advocates Karabo Mohau (KC), Kabelo Letuka and Letuka Molati.