A 30-year old man from Ha Thamae in Maseru has been handed a three-year prison sentence after being convicted on three counts of theft. Molefi Motlomelo faced charges of stealing items from three different men in his community. He will serve one year for each offence after failing to pay a M3,000 fine.
Appearing before the Matala Local Court this week, Motlomelo was accused of stealing two 17-inch car tyres, a car battery, a Golf 4 starter, mount, and car speakers from Mphirinyane Mokhethi.
Additionally, he was charged with stealing two camp chairs valued at M350 from Matśaba Matśaba, and a car tire with its rim, valued at M600, from Remaketse Motlatsi.
Prosecutor Qhobosheane Maqoacha told Court President Mathuntsi Ntsala that according to a witness, Mphirinyane Mokhethi (PW1), his belongings were stolen from his house on November 29, 2024.
Upon discovering the theft of his car tyres, battery, starter, mount, and speakers, Mokhethi reported the incident to the Ha-Thamae police station.
Investigations were conducted with the assistance of the community policing forum.
Subsequently, on May 13, 2024, Matśaba Matśaba (PW2) noticed that his two camp chairs, valued at M350, were missing around 3 am. He also reported the matter to the Ha-Thamae police and the community policing forum.
Then, on April 14, 2025, Remaketse Motlatsi (PW3) discovered his car tyre and rim, worth M600, missing as he prepared for work in the morning. He reported the theft to the Ha-Thamae police station, the village chief, and the community policing forum.
Police Constable Makoa, from the investigation unit, received information from the forum about recovered items at Motlomelo’s residence believed to be stolen.
Upon inspection, and after summoning PW1, PW2, and PW3 to identify the items, Mokhethi identified his car starter, Matśaba his two chairs, and Motlatsi his car rim.
Constable Makoa questioned Motlomelo and his explanation was deemed unsatisfactory, leading to the opening of a case.
A Lesotho Mounted Police Service Form 12, listing the recovered items as Exhibit A, was presented in court as evidence.
Motlomelo concurred with the prosecutor’s account of events.
Prosecutor Maqoacha informed the court that Motlomelo had a previous record as a suspect in a homicide case.
In his plea for leniency, Motlomelo expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he is the sole caretaker of his family’s house and had sought forgiveness from the complainants. He attributed his stealing to his addiction to drugs, specifically crystal meth.
Court President Ntsala found Motlomelo guilty on all three counts and sentenced him to a fine of M1000 or one-year imprisonment for each case. He will now serve an effective three years in prison after failing to pay the fine.
