Troubled cop assaults, shoots at colleagues

**Lesotho Police Officer Charged Following Alleged Assault and Shooting of Colleagues**

**MASERU** – A Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) lance sergeant, Liteboho Makhakhe, has appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court to face charges of aggravated assault and the unlawful discharge of a firearm following an incident at the Hoohlo Police Station.

Makhakhe, who remains a serving member of the police force, is accused of committing the alleged offences on February 27, 2026.

According to the charge sheet, the case involves four counts:

* **Aggravated Assault:** Makhakhe is accused of striking Ntsane Moeketsi on the head with a firearm, allegedly causing grievous bodily harm.
* **Assault:** He is accused of slapping Malikhapha Letsie, resulting in bruising to her left hand.
* **Breach of Peace:** Under the Internal Security (General) Act of 1984, he is charged with using obscene or insulting language toward his employer in a manner that allegedly breached the peace.
* **Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm:** Under the Penal Code Act of 2010, he is accused of firing several shots at police officers at the Hoohlo station.

During the proceedings before Resident Magistrate Thabang Tapole, the Crown, represented by Advocate Seeng Monyane, noted that Makhakhe is currently facing a separate pending case (CR 305/21) from 2022, in which he is charged with the unlawful possession and illegal sale of a firearm allegedly used in a robbery in Mafeteng.

Defense counsel Advocate Tumelo Qhophe argued for bail, stating that Makhakhe is married with two children and would not abscond. While the Crown did not oppose the bail application, Advocate Monyane requested stringent conditions, citing the accused’s alleged propensity to commit further offences while already out on bail for previous charges.

Magistrate Tapole granted bail under the following conditions:
* A M5,000 cash deposit.
* A M10,000 surety provided by a serving police officer.
* A prohibition against engaging in criminal activity, intimidating witnesses, or interfering with the investigation.
* A requirement to attend all remand and trial proceedings.

Makhakhe is scheduled to reappear in court on September 15, 2026, for the set-down of his trial.

Article source: sundayexpress.co.ls | Image credit: Mission Local