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Lesotho Tense After Departing Prime Minister Leaves, Missing Court Date over
Murder Charge

Anita Powell

   JOHANNESBURG - Tiny Lesotho's political problems are again threatening
   to overflow into neighboring South Africa, with Lesotho's outgoing
   prime minister crossing the border instead of appearing in a Maseru
   court Friday to be charged with the murder of his estranged wife,
   Lipolelo.

   Tom Thabane was scheduled to be in court Friday to face the charges in
   the 2017 death of Lipolelo Thabane, his first wife; however, his
   representatives say the 80-year-old leader went to South Africa for
   medical treatment. The prime minister announced Thursday that he would
   step down by July 31.

   Tom Thabane's current wife, Maesaiah, is already charged with the
   murder and is free on bail despite the fact that she previously fled to
   South Africa to avoid prosecution. She was arrested shortly upon her
   return to Lesotho.

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