Lesotho: Maesaiah Thabane Released on Bail

After spending only three weeks in prison, the wife of Lesotho’s former prime minister has been granted bail.

In June 2017, Lipolelo Thabane – who divorced Thomas Thabane in 2012 – was shot dead while driving to her home in Maseru. The murder occurred two days before her ex-husband’s inauguration.

As a result, the 81-year-old politician and his third wife, Maesaiah, were charged with allegedly paying assassins to kill Lipolelo. The former first lady was also placed in police custody.

Per reports, however, Mrs Thabane was released on bail for 10 000 maloti on Monday, 29 June. The move was approved by High Court judge, Thamsanqa Nomngcongo, after hearing arguments from lawyers representing both the murder-accused and the victim’s relatives.

Lesotho’s deputy police commissioner, Paseka Mokete, opposed the decision, saying: “The petitioner has fled before and is likely to do so again. She is also very dangerous, and has resources she can use to hire hitmen to interfere and eliminate the witnesses.”

Mrs Thabane returns home today, Tuesday 30 June.

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