Lesotho first lady murder case: Key witness flees to South Africa

Due to "fears" for her dear life, a key witness in the murder case of the wife of Lesotho's Prime Minister, Maesaiah Thabane, has fled to South Africa and is seeking refugee status.

In an interview with the BBC, Thato Sibolla said she did not feel safe in Lesotho because "they may come for me in order to stop the case or to destroy the case".

She added that she is also attempting to sign up for the refugee status in other countries including Botswana.

Not too long ago, the news broke that Mrs Thabane was linked and charged with the murder of Lesotho PM's ex-wife, Lipolelo Thabane.

The BBC also reported that Mrs Thabane has also been charged with the attempted murder of Ms Sibolla - a family friend who had been travelling with the deceased when gunmen opened fire on their vehicle two days before Thomas Thabane's inauguration as prime minister in 2017.

Ms Sibolla said: "I'm pursuing protection, like refugee status, not just in South Africa, I'm attempting even in Botswana, anywhere I can go. I don't think I will ever lead a normal life in Lesotho."

"I'm pursuing protection, like refugee status, not just in South Africa, I'm attempting even in Botswana, anywhere I can go. I don't think I will ever lead a normal life in Lesotho.

"When justice has been served I will feel much better. I think it will be closure for me at least, even though I can never forget about this but at least I will feel a sense of relief.

"When justice has been served I will feel much better. I think it will be closure for me at least, even though I can never forget about this but at least I will feel a sense of relief," Ms Sibolla said.

The first lady has not yet been asked to plead. The case was postponed to 28 February and she is out on bail of about $67 (£52), BBC reported.

BBC