Lesotho’s prime minister appeared in court Monday but the murder case against him failed to proceed as the magistrate referred the matter to the Constitutional Court to decide whether a sitting prime minister can be charged with any crime.
Prime Minister Thomas Thabane’s legal team argued against him being charged.
The 80-year-old leader is accused of murder in the 2017 killing of his estranged wife, Lipolelo. His current wife, Maesaiah, already has been charged after briefly fleeing to neighboring South Africa. Last week the prime minister himself left for South Africa for what his lawyer called medical reasons, missing a court appearance.
FILE — In this Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, file photo Lesotho's Prime Minister Thomas Motsoahae Thabane addresses the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Thabane will be charged with the June 2017 killing of his former wife, Lipolelo, a top police official said Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoRichard Drew, File)
Monday was his Thabane’s first public appearance since then, and it came as a surprise to many in the southern African kingdom.
His legal team argued that the defense team’s application for referral to the Constitutional Court was premature because Thabane has not yet been charged. The defense said the prime minister’s mere appearance in court was enough of a reason.
“I must admit from the outset that this is indeed a novel case in our country whose determination we eagerly await,” Magistrate Phetise Motanyane said.
It was not immediate clear when the Constitutional Court will hear the matter.
If the court decides that a sitting prime minister cannot be charged, the prosecution will have to wait at least until July 31, the date when Thabane has said he will retire. He has been under pressure from his ruling party to step down.
Thabane’s current wife is out on bail. The couple sat together Monday in the gallery during arguments.