| Mda's Obstruction of Justice Case Postponed to April 18 | |
| The
court battle over whether the obstruction of justice trial of Lesotho Law
Society chair Advocate Zwelakhe Mda be heard in the magistrate's or high
court has been postponed to April 18. Justice Simpson Victor Ntambanengwe made this decision on February 17 following arguments by crown and defence counsels. He said the court should not rush to make a decision regarding the arguments submitted by both parties. Both sides have brought before court challenging arguments that would require it to be careful when making any decision regarding whether the criminal case against Advocate Mda and Limakatso Ralitlhare has been correctly brought before the high court. It was apparent however, that the only argument between the two parties is the interpretation of the decision of the high court, which was confirmed by the court of appeal, which said the case should start from the beginning, he said. The defence believes the right place was the magistrate's court where the case was initiated while the crown's case is that both the high court and appeal court did not specifically state that the case should start afresh in the magistrate's court, but only that it should be started afresh. Advocate Mda and Ralitlhare are facing criminal charges for obstructing justice by allegedly interfering with crown witnesses in the case involving the murder of the Prime-Minister's son, Maile Mosisili. The crown is represented by Advocate Denis Peter Molyneaux and Mr. Mots'ei Tlali, while the defence team is composed of Advocates Khalaki Sello, Motiea Teele, Salemane Phafane and Bitajamjith Sooknanan. 18 February 2005 |
|
| source: |