two men sentenced for 2024 border murder
Basotho nationals received life sentences in South Africa for a double murder at Maseru Bridge.
Two men, Tumelo Tsiu, 32, and Lineo Walatsa, 30, have been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ficksburg High Court in South Africa for a double murder at the Maseru Bridge border post in June 2024. The court also sentenced them to nine months for illegal presence in South Africa. They were acquitted of charges related to an unlicensed firearm and conspiracy to commit murder.
The victims, Moholi “Bohome” Mohapi, 31, and Rebone David Sephaka, 40, were shot dead around 4am on June 11, 2024, shortly after arriving from Johannesburg. SAPS stated that the gunmen arrived in a white Isuzu bakkie, opened fire on passengers, and fled. Police intercepted the bakkie, recovering a 9mm firearm, and arrested the driver, Seun Gert Moloi, who was later granted R8000 bail and subsequently died before the trial.
The extradition of Tsiu and Walatsa from Lesotho followed cooperation between the SAPS and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service. The accused faced charges including murder, attempted murder of Mr Sekantsi and Mr Pitso, and contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act. The sentences were handed down on Thursday, October 23, 2026.
Why it mattersTwo Basotho men were sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa for a double murder at the Maseru Bridge border post.