Power, governance and the rights of Basotho — Parliament, parties, the courts, and the human-rights debates that define the country's direction.
Politics & Rights
Four Mafeteng police officers accused of murdering Thuso Tjemolane in August 2020 have failed in their bid to halt proceedings over alleged non-compliance with new Criminal Litigation Rules. High Court Judge Mabatšoeneng Hlaele ruled the trial will proceed under the old Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, with a firm
Politics & Rights
BNP leader Machesetsa Mofomobe has challenged his addition to the M5 billion drug case, arguing he was wrongly joined as the sixth accused while his co-accused's bid to quash charges was still pending. The Maseru Magistrate's Court ordered Mofomobe to file a formal application by
Politics & Rights
Prime Minister Sam Matekane has denied any links to South African crime boss Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala, stating he has never met him or conducted business with him, though his former security aide dealt with Matlala regarding a proposed VIP security company in Lesotho. Matlala testified before South Africa&
Politics & Rights
Lesotho's Minister of Information Nthati Moorosi has criticized the media for chasing social media trends instead of conducting original, in-depth reporting, citing pressures to publish online quickly at the expense of accuracy. The Minister made these comments at the graduation of the second cohort of the Radio
Politics & Rights
Prime Minister Sam Matekane has called for a tougher crackdown on drug dealers, stating that those involved in narcotics trafficking deserve no leniency from the justice system. His remarks come as three Chinese nationals, a senior government official, and opposition leader Machesetsa Mofomobe face charges related to an alleged M5
Politics & Rights
Lesotho's Police Chief Borotho Matsoso announced preparations for recruiting 500 new police officers to begin training in January 2027, with a budget of M23,410,200, following Prime Minister Matekane's approval. Matsoso cautioned that the recruitment represents only a minor addition to address a severe staffing
Politics & Rights
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit held in Durban did not include the Lesotho opposition's grievances over alleged government non-compliance with court orders on its agenda, despite the opposition's written request to the regional body. Opposition Leader Mathibeli Mokhothu stated the opposition is not
Politics & Rights
A government-imposed freeze on refugee identity cards and travel documents in Lesotho, imposed in July 2024 following corruption allegations against officials, has left hundreds of refugees unable to access banking services, healthcare, education and employment for nearly two years. The investigations have been completed and cases are awaiting reallocation
Politics & Rights
Lesotho has received 14,000 additional doses of lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection, from the United States government, marking the second batch delivered to the country. The drug has been rolled out nationally since March across health facilities and is part of a US-led partnership aimed at
Politics & Rights
Revolution for Prosperity leader Sam Matekane is facing internal party opposition over a circular requiring members to seek headquarters approval before holding gatherings outside their constituencies. Two RFP members have demanded the circular be retracted, threatening court action within five days, arguing it violates the party constitution. Source: Lesotho Times
Politics & Rights
Ousted Lesotho Communications Authority Chief Licensing Officer Advocate Thato Ponya has accused the government of political interference in his non-renewal, claiming Minister Nthati Moorosi, Prime Minister Sam Matekane and Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau intervened to prevent his reappointment despite strong performance ratings. Minister Moorosi denies involvement in managerial
Politics & Rights
An editorial argues that the Khubetsoana drug case, involving allegations of a M5 billion crystal methamphetamine manufacturing operation and Basotho National Party leader Machesetsa Mofomobe, should proceed to full trial rather than being dismissed on procedural grounds. The piece acknowledges the defence's legitimate concerns about disclosure and investigative