SA soldiers’ freed on bail

STAFF REPORTER

MASERU – The Maseru Magistrate Court on Tuesday freed on M1 000 bail each, two detained South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers and two border officials arrested last Thursday after crossing into Lesotho without proper documents.

The four were apprehended for breaching Lesotho’s Public Health (COVID-19) Regulations of 2020, and gain their freedom following government’s cabinet meeting on Monday morning which advocated for the release of the South African nationals. These developments while Lesotho Defence Force apprehended on July 19 in Matatiele, South Africa, by South African soldiers while pursuing cattle-rustlers remain in custody in the neighbouring republic – facing criminal charges.

The Lesotho soldiers are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms, illegal crossing into country and illegal possession of ammunition, stock theft and armed robbery. Their matter in court continues. Meanwhile, Public Eye can report that a Lesotho delegation of Deputy Prime Minister Mathibeli Mokhothu and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Machesetsa Mofomobe, is presently in South Africa as emissaries to South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, to also discuss the fate of the Lesotho soldiers. A series of meetings is scheduled for later today and tomorrow.