Lesotho’s former first lady granted bail in murder case

Lesotho’s former first lady, Maesaiah Thabane, has been granted bail after being charged with murdering her husband’s estranged first wife.

Mrs Thabane was released on bail despite police objection that she might use it to escape. 

Deputy police commissioner Paseka Moketem said Mrs Thabane had fled before and was likely to do so again. He described her as ‘very dangerous’ and said she had the resources to interfere with witnesses. 

Mrs Thabane was re-arrested earlier this month after a court of appeal revoked her bail. Earlier this year, she fled to South Africa when police tried to question her. 

The former first lady denies ordering the killing of Lipolelo Thabane three years ago. The estranged wife of former Prime Minister Thomas Thabane was found shot dead in the capital, Maseru, just two days before her husband’s inauguration. 

The former prime minister also denies involvement. In May Mr Thabane announced his resignation, ostensibly on the grounds of his age, amidst mounting pressure to do so from his party. 

Photo: The Post Newspaper