Lesotho man claims police and military seized over M1.2 million in cash, files high court petition

A man from Berea, Lesotho, has petitioned the High Court for the return of over M1.2 million, which he alleges was unlawfully confiscated by police and military personnel during his arrest earlier this year.

Tšeliso Motlaase, from Liphiring, Ha Manko, claims that the money was taken from him when he was detained by soldiers in Leribe’s Ha Kanetsi area on 27 July 2024.

According to court documents, Mr. Motlaase asserts that soldiers initially seized M1,160,000 during his arrest.

He was subsequently taken to Ratjomose Military Barracks, where an additional M51,500 was confiscated from his vehicle.

The circumstances leading to his arrest and why he was carrying such a large sum of money remain unclear.

“I was detained for four days at Ratjomose.

Afterward, I was transferred to Police Headquarters and held for an additional two days,” Motlaase stated in his affidavit.

He further claims that upon his release from Ratjomose, he was asked to sign for only M850,000 of the original M1,160,000, and was never asked to sign for the M51,500 taken from his car.

In addition to the large sums of cash, Motlaase alleges that his wallet, containing M990, was also seized.

Upon his release, he says he was handed back a wallet containing only M590, which he refused to accept due to the missing portion.

On 1 August 2024, Mr. Motlaase appeared before the Leribe Magistrate’s Court, where authorities attempted to charge him with money laundering.

However, the case was dropped when the prosecutor declined to proceed, citing insufficient evidence.

“The prosecutor informed the court that there was no evidence to implicate me. I was released, and I immediately demanded the return of my money.

However, my request was denied,” Motlaase said.

He now seeks a court order compelling Police Commissioner Borotho Matsoso and Army Chief Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela to return the full sum of M1,212,490.

As of the time of publication, neither Commissioner Matsoso nor Lt-Gen Letsoela had filed any opposing documents.

The case has drawn attention as Motlaase argues that the continued withholding of his money is unlawful and lacks any legal justification.