Monday, February 24, 2020

Trump's proposed model in action

Lesotho’s prime minister has made a surprise appearance in court, where his lawyer argued that his office granted him immunity from prosecution for allegedly murdering his estranged wife shortly before he took power.

Thomas Thabane sat in the public gallery of the court in Maseru, the capital of the small mountain kingdom, with his second wife. He had been due to appear on Friday to be charged with murder, but had not appeared, saying he had to travel to neighbouring South Africa for medical treatment.

His lawyer, Qhalehang Letsika, argued on Monday that the murder charge against a sitting prime minister raised a significant constitutional issue that needed to be resolved before charges could be read against his client. The magistrate, Phethise Motanyane, agreed to refer the case to a higher court.

Lipolelo Thabane, 58, was shot several times at close range as she sat in a car near her home, two days before husband’s inauguration in 2017. She had reportedly refused a divorce and won a court battle to retain her privileges as first lady until any formal separation.

ThomasThabane remarried two months after her death. His second wife, Maesaiah, 42, was charged with murder this month after briefly fleeing the country. Both deny any wrongdoing.

His spokesman, Thabo Thakalekoala, said: “The prime minister is protected by the constitution although he is not above the law."

  The Guardian
Sounds familiar.

Anyway, I assume he's made a better marriage the second time round...
Thabane’s second wife, Maesaiah, has been a controversial figure. Since the wedding, for which she was two hours late, she has been accused of interfering in political appointments.
...but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.

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