HE SAYS ANCESTORS ORDERED HIM TO EAT HUMAN FLESH

’Mammuso Tumane –Mafeteng

Katleho “Sebene” Mpharoane (26), of Ha Abia, Tšieng, Maseru, who was undergoing traditional healing training (initiation) at Ha Maine, Tšakholo, Mafeteng, appeared before the Mafeteng Magistrate Court, on the 20^th May 2026; charged with murder. He is awaiting trial at the Lesotho Correctional Services.

In an interview with Detective Police Constable (D/P/C) Fokothi Nyakane, at Tšakholo Police Station, he stated that on the 13^th May 2026, they received a report that two boys (2) and (4), had disappeared from Ha Maine.

D/P/C Nyakane explained that the boys’ bodies were found dumped near their home. Adding that, the police launched an investigation which revealed that their parents had gone to town (Mafeteng) at the time of the incident, leaving the accused with the children. Using that as an opportunity, he then called the boys to his separate shelter, and when they arrived, he stabbed them with a sharp object, and they died at the scene. He then cut their flesh into pieces, roasted, and ate their armpits, citing that as orders from his ancestors.

The accused was arrested on the 18^th May 2026.

Inspector (Insp.) Hlapalimane Leluma expresses his gratitude to Ha Maine community for listening to him, and surrendering the accused to the police, although they were agitated and wanted to vent their anger on the accused.