Hurt by claims by his wife that his daughter was not his own, a Khubetsoana, Mafeteng man shot the small girl and also attempted to kill the wife. He is now facing charges of murder and attempted murder. 

A psychiatrist at the Mohlomi Hospital, Maseru, told the Lesotho High Court that he had examined Thabo Mafisa on July 12, this year and found him mentally sane, that his memory was still in good condition and was therefore fit to stand trial.  

The accused vividly remembered that he shot and killed his daughter, which was triggered by his wife, 'M'abataung’s statement that Reitumetse was not his child, and severely injured the latter on the date in question, said Dr. Shafiuddbdim Shaikh.

He neither reported hearing voices whose owners he could not see, nor had any illusions, and eloquently described charges that he faces. Mafisa told him that he wanted to discuss the matter with his wife as well as to reconcile the differences, but instead the complainant refused to talk to him, the psychiatrist said.

Mafisa behaved normally and carried out all instructions that were given to him. He also said he remembered places and time where the shooting incident occurred.

The incident happened at Khubetsoana in Mafeteng on October 14, 2001.

Prosecuted by Ms Lindiwe Maqutu, the case is being heard by Justice Kelello Guni. Advocate Pitso Ntšene represents the accused.

12 September 2005