Man accuses guard of damaging car key

A 49-year-old man from Ha Thamae in Maseru has accused a security guard of damaging his spectacles and car key during an altercation at a local store.

Tumisang Thahanyane appeared before the Matala Local Court on Monday this week, where he accused Tatolo Sello, 36, from Borokhoaneng, of malicious damage to property.

Giving evidence before court president Manthuntsi Nts’ala, Thahanyane said the incident occurred at Costco Store in Lekhaloaneng, where Sello was working as a security guard.

According to Thahanyane, Sello stopped him at the shop’s exit and asked to inspect the goods he had purchased together with his receipt.

Thahanyane said he handed over the receipt but objected to having his goods inspected. He told the court that he informed Sello that he was wasting his time before walking away.

Sello allegedly followed him and explained that he and two other security guards were carrying out their duties.

Thahanyane said he responded that he had not stolen the goods. The disagreement reportedly escalated when Sello called one of the two other guards to intervene.

The complainant admitted that he threw a plastic bag containing a two-litre bottle at Sello during the confrontation. The bag allegedly struck Sello in the face, causing injuries to his nose and mouth and resulting in bleeding.

Thahanyane told the court that Sello then punched him. During the altercation, his spectacles were damaged and the right lens broke.

He further alleged that Sello bent his car key, leaving him unable to start his red Volkswagen Golf 6.

Thahanyane also told the court that Sello threatened him during the confrontation. He subsequently reported the matter at Ha-Thamae Police Station, where he was issued with a medical form. However, he said he did not consult a doctor because he had no visible injuries.

The court heard that the spectacles’ frame was valued at M150, while the estimated cost of replacing both the lens and frame was M500.

Court president Nts’ala ordered Thahanyane to produce a quotation showing the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged car key.

The case was postponed to 13 October 2026 for further proceedings.