Lesotho’s former first lady, Maesaiah Thabane has been arrested by the police in Lesotho. Her arrest is over the 2017 murder of the then-estranged wife of recently resigned PM Thomas Thabane.
Maesaiah Thabane, who was out on bail, is suspected of orchestrating the shooting of Lipolelo Thabane in the capital, Maseru.
Last week, the Lesotho’s court of appeal revoked her bail on suspicion that the procedure was not followed correctly and ordered her rearrest.
Maesaiah arrived at the magistrate court in Maseru on Wednesday under the escort of armed police officers. She was told she would be taken to the female correctional facility in fulfilment of the appeals court judgement.
“The decision of the High Court to grant you bail has been set aside by the Court of Appeal,” said the magistrate. “You will remain in the correctional facility. You will report back on June 16, 2020 to find out the progress of your case.”
Related: Maesaiah Thabane charged with the murder of Lipolelo Thabane
Thomas Thabane, who is yet to be formally charged, is also a suspect in the case. Both Thomas and Maesaiah deny any involvement. The former prime minister stepped down in May after months of calls for his resignation over the case.
Lipolelo Thabane was murdered in June 2017, just two days before Thomas took office. The couple were in the midst of a divorce when she was shot outside her home. Two months later, Thomas married his current wife.
Lesotho’s former finance minister, Moeketsi Majoro, was sworn in as prime minister on May 20, replacing the octogenarian leader.
