Mojapela calls for compassionate leadership
BOKANG MOSHOESHOE AND
‘MANT’SANG KHUTLISI
MASERU – Socialist Revolutionaries (SR) leader Teboho Mojapela has come guns blazing chastising the government over the unwarranted and aggressive tactics in the arrest of controversial Basotho Convenant Movement – BCM leader Dr Tsepo Lipholo this wek.
“Lipholo is no foreigner, he is a citizen of this country and deserves to be treated with dignity. The police could have approached him in a better, more humane manner. Their aggressive tactics were unnecessary and unjustified,” Mojapela fumed.
He criticized the manner in which the arrest was carried out, calling it excessive and disrespectful. Lipholo, a prominent political figure who climbed to fame after he sojourned the United Nations on call for a returning of Lesotho’s conquered terrotiries in 2024. He has since become famous and infamous with Basotho across the political divide.
This week he was taken in for questioning by police over allegations he disrespected the royal family.
His story is evolving.
Speaking about the role of police on the matter, Mojapela said, “We need the police as our strength, as the pillar of national safety, but the government has corrupted this institution. It is being used to intimidate instead of serve.”
The outspoken politician also tackled the issue of genral policing and law enforcement.
While acknowledging the critical role of the police in upholding law and order, Mojapela pointed out that systemic corruption has undermined the institution.
He expressed frustration at how state security forces are often used as political tools rather than instruments of justice and protection.
A visionary politician, Mojapela said Lesotho is a nation blessed with natural resources, resilient people, and untapped potential.
Yet, the SR leader – the only Member of Parliament of the party noted with concern that the country continues to lack not wealth but compassionate leadership.
In an interview this week, JP as he is affectionately known painted a stark picture of a country in moral, social, and political distress, calling for a new era of governance rooted in empathy, truth, and accountability.
“Lesotho is a rich country, but what we need more than anything right now is leadership that is sympathetic, understanding, and willing to serve the nation, not exploit it,” the charismatic SR leader explained.
Touching on various issues affecting the country, Mojapela emphasized that trust, rather than greed, must become the foundation of the nation’s leadership.
He expressed deep disappointment over the current political climate, where self-interest has allegedly overtaken public service.
“In order for this country to develop, it must be ruled with trust, not by people who are greedy for their own good,” he commented.
His comments come at a time when Lesotho is battling public outcry over corruption, poor service delivery and appauling youth unemployment.
Deeply affected Mojapela also took time to express his condolences to the families affected by the recent Kolonyama car accidents in which multiple lives were lost and left the nation in mourning.
He criticized the insensitive behaviour of those who recorded and circulated videos of the horrific accident on social media instead of offering assistance or showing empathy.
“Basotho need to have a heart, I fail to understand who on earth would take videos of such a traumatic moment and post them for likes and shares. Life has no guarantee, and we must treat each moment and each life with the dignity it deserves,” he lamented.
In a sobering reflection on national preparedness, Mojapela questioned why a country with so much land, intelligence, and potential still lacks basic emergency infrastructure.
“How is it that a country as vast and established as Lesotho has no fire extinguishers readily available on the roads?” he asked, visibly disturbed.
Mojapela made it clear that his fight for justice, transparency, and leadership will not cease.
Known for his firm stance against corruption and his vocal criticism of those in power, Mojapela has earned both praise and criticism for his uncompromising values. Yet, he remains steadfast in his belief that change is possible and – necessary.
“I will fight tooth and nail for this country, Lesotho deserves better, and I will not rest until we achieve a government that puts people first,” he declared.
Mojapela warned against the continued misuse of public funds, saying Lesotho needs to be fixed, and that those in power must stop filling their own pockets with the nation’s money.
The public purse he said is for development, for education, for healthcare, for infrastructure “not for the luxury of a few”.
