Eight members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) charged with alleged involvement in incidents of arson during the 1998 political unrest are to appear before the Magistrate's court from October 10 to 14.

The accused are alleged to have taken part in the burning down of houses belonging to senior government officials during the 1998 political unrest.

Magistrate Mrs. 'Mafelile Ralebese said the case was being rescheduled to October because one of the Counsel for the defence, Advocate Lepeli Molapo, who had just joined the defence team, has ongoing matters before the court which he has to attend to first.

The postponement was also aimed at affording one of the accused time to settle his legal representation issues.

Mrs. Ralebese noted with concern that the case has been delayed for a long time. It is in the interest of justice that the case proceeds to its finality, she said.

The case is prosecuted by Mr. Gareth Justine Leppan, while the defence team is composed of, among others, Advocates Moloantoa Khasipe and Lepeli Molapo.

27 July 2005