The Matala Local Court has fined a 32-year-old man M1,000 after finding him guilty of threatening another man while under the influence of alcohol.
Molefi Selongoana of Tsoapo le Bolila in Maseru was on Tuesday this week charged with threatening to kill Khopolo Khalala (28), also of Tsoapo le Bolila, following a dispute involving Selongoana’s wife.
In his testimony, Khalala told the court that Selongoana arrived at his home visibly intoxicated and looking for a confrontation. He said Selongoana accused him of visiting his wife and demanding repayment of a debt Khalala said he knew nothing about.
Khalala denied the allegation, stating that he never went to Selongoana’s home or asked his wife for money. He said Selongoana appeared paranoid and suggested that his anger was fuelled by jealousy, alleging that Selongoana claimed Khalala could afford to buy beer while he could not.
The court heard that the confrontation escalated, with Selongoana behaving aggressively, causing Khalala to fear for his safety.
Khalala also testified that Selongoana demanded the return of a pillow he had previously lent him when (he) Khalala’s girlfriend was visiting.
Khalala further told the court that this was not the first time Selongoana had accused him falsely. He cited a previous incident in which Selongoana accused him of stealing a cellphone, which was later found in Selongoana’s car.
In his defence, Selongoana did not deny the allegations but claimed that Khalala disliked him and was jealous because he (Selongoana) usually had money to buy beer, while Khalala sometimes struggled.
Selongoana added that he felt unappreciated despite claiming that he often helped Khalala when he was in need.
Matala Local Court president Mathuntsi Ntšala found Selongoana guilty of making threats and sentenced him to pay a fine of M1,000 or face one year’s imprisonment. Selongoana paid the fine.
