Lesotho’s Prime Minister Tom Thabane has not pitched in the Maseru Magistrate’s Court over his estranged wife’s death two hours after the hearing was meant to start.
Deputy Police Commissioner Paseka Mokete says he’s not sure of Thabane’s whereabouts. Police said on Thursday Thabane would be charged with murder on Friday.
They say he was initially summoned to appear on Thursday but later reached a settlement to appear on Friday.
Police will later announce their intentions going forward.
Tom Thabane retires
Thabane, 80-years-old, announced on national radio on Thursday that he would step down at the end of July, but he made no reference to the case.
He instead cited old age as a reason for quitting as premier.
In the video below SABC reporter, Raphelang Radebe talks about Tom Thabane’s announcement to retire in January.
Pressure has been mounting on Thabane to resign over the death of former first lady Lipolelo.
She was shot dead in June 2017 near her home in the capital Maseru two days before Thabane took office.
Thabane’s current wife Maesaiah is believed to have masterminded the assassination.
Her trial date has been set for March, 17.
In the video below Thato Sibolla, the shooting survivor, believes trial against Maesaiah Thabane will not be fair.
Thabane interviewed by police
Thabane was interviewed by police at his home in Maseru in January.
The 80-year-old had been expected to present himself to Lesotho’s Deputy Police Commissioner for questioning about the murder of his first wife in 2017.
In the video below Sophie Mokoena has more detail on Tom Thabane’s interview with Lesotho police.
Additional reporting Reuters.
