Detained Lesotho soldiers: Petitioners approach SA again

MAMELLO SEBATANE

Maseru – The Basotho Lead-Petitioners have today submitted their second petition to the South African High Commission (SAHC) over the contentious issue of the two members of the Lesotho Defence Force detained in South Africa.

Their petition also included an equally controversial and long-running historical issue of reclamation of Basotho land incorporated into South Africa.

The letter was signed and accepted by the commission’s first Secretary Political, Rudolph Stroebel.

Mpho Serobanyane, co-ordinator of the Basotho Lead-Petitioners said they decided to resubmit the petition after the seven-day ultimatum accompanying the first petition lapsed without any response from South Africa. 

“We were here to submit a petition some two weeks ago and we had granted a seven-day period for a response but to this point we have not heard from South Africa through any of their representatives,” he said.

He noted today’s gesture marks the last of their first plan of action, adding that their next move would be to conduct a peaceful protest outside the SAHC premises and if it fails there is still on more options to consider.

Serobanyane refused to be drawn to elaborate on such options.