Lesotho PM seeks immunity over murder of ex-wife

Lawyers for Thomas Thabane, the prime minister of Lesotho, have told a court that he cannot be charged for the murder of his estranged wife because his position protects him from prosecution.

During Monday’s hearing, defence attorney Qhalehang Letsika said: “My client cannot be prosecuted while in office but he is not above the law”. 

The magistrate then referred the case to the High Court, which will be sitting as the Constitutional Court when it hears the case with a panel of at least three judges.

Mr Thabane, 80, has already ignored calls from within party to retire, saying he will step down in July on account of his age. He made no mention of the court case.

Mr Thabane’s then-wife, Lipolelo Thabane, was shot dead in 2017, two days before his inauguration ceremony. 

The couple were undergoing divorce proceedings at the time.

Mr Thabane’s current wife, Maessaiah Thabane, has also been charged with the murder. 

On Friday Mr Thabane missed a court appearance because he went to South Africa for medical treatment. His wife also went to South Africa after police had issued a warrant for her arrest. 

Photo: Molise Molise