Shame in Addis Ababa

• RFP councillor behind bars on drug smuggling charge
• Officials divided over handling of scandal  

TEBOHO KHATEBE MOLEFI and

MOTSAMAI MOKOTJO

MASERU – Tlapana Nthole, a councillor from Boribeng Electoral Division under the Sephokong Community Council, has been detained in Ethiopia since November 2023 on drug smuggling charges, Public Eye can report.

Nthole, affiliated with the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), was arrested at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport while transiting from Japan.

Foreign Affairs Minister Lejone Mpotjoane confirmed his awareness of Nthole’s arrest speaking to this publication, but emphasized the limitations of diplomatic intervention. 

“I know of the issue. Our role is to engage and understand the circumstances of his arrest, not to dictate another country’s laws. Our priority is ensuring he isn’t mistreated,” Mpotjoane stated.

“It’s painful and shameful that a councillor faces such charges, but we hope for his eventual release.”

Surprisingly, Ambassador Ntšiuoa Sekete, Lesotho’s envoy to Ethiopia, claimed ignorance of the matter.

“We are unaware of such a case,” Sekete told Public Eye, adding that the embassy typically handles cases involving foreigners arrested with Lesotho passports. 

Khotsi Motseki, Member of Parliament (MP) for Leribe Constituency, criticized the foreign affairs ministry’s silence, demanding urgent diplomatic action. 

“Nthole is my constituent. The Sephokong Council informed me months ago. How can the minister work with diplomats who are oblivious? This requires high-level engagement,” Motseki fumed. 
Meanwhile, key figures – including committee chairs Mokhothu Makhalanyane and Makotoko Moshe claimed no knowledge of the arrest.

RFP deputy spokesperson, Thabo Maretlane, also pleaded ignorance.

However, this paper’s investigations have unearthed that Nthole had prior involvement in drug trafficking.

“This time, he allegedly cheated dealers, leading to his arrest upon arrival in Addis Ababa,” a source disclosed. 

“Since Nthole’s disappearance, armed individuals have reportedly frequented his home, allegedly over unpaid debts linked to land allocation scams within the council.” 

The Local Government Act of 1997 mandates that councillors who miss three consecutive meetings forfeit their seats, and a fellow councillor confirmed that efforts to summon Nthole for council meetings failed, including inquiries with his wife, who denied knowledge of his whereabouts.

Public Eye has learnt, though, that Sephokong Council Chairperson, Phooko Phooko, announced an investigative team to probe the matter before reporting to Local Government Minister Lebona Lephema. 

Dr Tlohang Letsie, a political analyst at the National University of Lesotho, questioned the government’s reluctance to pursue the case. 

“The ambassador’s denial is dubious. This mirrors past cases, like the 2022 Ghana drug arrests, where Basotho were repatriated without official diplomacy. Is Nthole’s case being side-lined?” Letsie asked. 

Attempts to contact Minister Lephema were unsuccessful, and key questions remain unanswered as a result: Is the minister aware of Nthole’s arrest?  Will his seat be declared vacant per the Local Government Act?  Has Foreign Affairs Minister Mpotjoane briefed cabinet colleagues?

The case underscores systemic gaps in diplomatic coordination and accountability, leaving Nthole’s fate – and Lesotho’s reputation – hanging in the balance. 

Drug trafficking remains one of the most pervasive criminal enterprises worldwide, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and nations, and Lesotho has not been immune to this crisis.

In recent years, several Basotho have been arrested abroad on drug-related charges, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to transnational organized crime. 

The arrest of Basotho nationals abroad on drug trafficking charges is a growing crisis that demands urgent action. While poverty and deception play significant roles, stronger legal frameworks, international cooperation, and economic reforms are essential to combat this scourge. 

Lesotho must protect its citizens from exploitation while ensuring that those who willingly engage in drug trafficking face justice. Only through a multi-faceted approach can the country curb this dangerous trend and safeguard its future generations. 

The country’s geographical location, economic challenges, and porous borders make it susceptible to drug trafficking networks as surrounded by South Africa, a major transit hub for narcotics entering and exiting the African continent – with poverty, unemployment and limited opportunities pushing some Basotho into illicit activities, including drug smuggling. 

Additionally, drug syndicates often recruit vulnerable individuals with promises of quick money, exploiting their desperation. Many of those arrested abroad claim they were coerced or unaware of the risks involved.