Rex V Ngoae Kotelo (CRI/T/0108/2024) [2025] LSHC 70 (21 March 2025)

Rex V Ngoae Kotelo (CRI/T/0108/2024) [2025] LSHC 70 (21 March 2025)

The evidence proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused intentionally and unlawfully killed both victims. The accused's actions were premeditated, targeted defenceless women, and showed no immediate remorse. Extenuating circumstances existed but did not outweigh the gravity of the offences. The accused was found guilty on both counts of murder and sentenced to forty years imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently.

Citation
[2025] LSHC 70
Parties
Prosecutor: Rex; Accused: Ngoae Kotelo
Court
High Court
Jurisdiction
Lesotho
Judgment Date
21 March 2025
Case Number
CRI/T/0108/2024
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Judgment and Sentencing
Outcome
Guilty on both counts of murder; sentenced to forty years imprisonment on each count, sentences to run concurrently.
Legal Topics
Murder, Sentencing, Gender Based Violence, Extenuating Circumstances
Source Language
English
Criminal Law Murder Sentencing Gender Based Violence Extenuating Circumstances

Case Brief

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Parties

Rex

Prosecutor

Ngoae Kotelo

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Judgment and Sentencing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the accused unlawfully and intentionally killed Nthabiseng Mohale and Mphaphathi Potsane
  2. 2 Whether the evidence proves the accused's guilt beyond reasonable doubt
  3. 3 Whether extenuating circumstances exist to mitigate sentence

Ratio Decidendi

The evidence proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused intentionally and unlawfully killed both victims. The accused's actions were premeditated, targeted defenceless women, and showed no immediate remorse. Extenuating circumstances existed but did not outweigh the gravity of the offences. The accused was found guilty on both counts of murder and sentenced to forty years imprisonment on each count, to run concurrently.

Court Disposition

Guilty on both counts of murder; sentenced to forty years imprisonment on each count, sentences to run concurrently.

Orders

  • Accused sentenced to forty (40) years imprisonment on Count I.
  • Accused sentenced to forty (40) years imprisonment on Count II.