Retired Police Colonel Molise Tlali, giving evidence in the marathon trial in which the 23 are charged with fraudulently buying vehicles at an auction sale in 1996, said the police officers just need to surrender the vehicles and explain how each had acquired it.

The officers ranked from trooper to superintendent are accused of using their office to gain advantage over other auction bidders to acquire vehicles sold at an auction from police pounds at the Police Training College, the Maseru Central Charge Office, Police headquarters in Maseru and the Mabote Police Station in 1996.

Asked about the conflicting evidence given by him and former Police Commissioner Mr. Bolutu Makoaba about the number of vehicles authorised for sale at the auction, ex-colonel Tlali said Mr Makoaba must have made a mistake.

'I knew that 60 vehicles were authorised for sale because I investigated the matter, as per instructions from Mr Makoaba,' he said.

The accused were initially 29 but six have subsequently died.

The case, before Magistrate Mrs 'M'atankiso Nthunya, is continuing. Mr Gareth Justin Leppan is prosecuting while members of the defence team include, Advocates Matooane, Hae Phoofolo, Molefi Ntlhoki, and Thulo Hoeane.

14 January 2005