Nthole languishes in Addis jail – ministers sip tea at home

MOTSAMAI MOKOTJO

MASERU – Tlapane Nthole, a councillor from Boribeng Electoral Division under the Sephokong Community Council continues to languish in jail in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Meanwhile ministers who should ensure his welfare continue to sip tea here at home unaffected as if he does not exist.

Government officials including the minister of Foreign Affairs under whose oversight Nthole falls in foreign custody and that of Local Government under which he is employed, have displayed utter lack of concern since his arrest for drug smuggling charges in Ethiopia last year.

This week, Public Eye, asked authorities on the latest since the first report last month on Nthole’s arrest in Addis Ababa on alleged drug trafficking charges.

Amazingly, Foreign Affairs minister Lejone Mpotjoane even after aknowledging his awareness of Nthole’s arrest, has merely said he delegated staff at the embassy in Ethiopia to scramble for inquiries.

“It’s just rumours,” Mpotjoane said of Nthole who is, affiliated with the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP). Nthole was allegedly arrested at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport while transiting from Japan.

Mpotjoane quizzed on the fact that in an early interview he had admitted knowledge of Nthole’s dilemma, backtracked insisting that he had make sure.

“Yes, I know, but our officials have found nothing thus far,” he said in a brief interview.

Two weeks ago Moptjoane told this publication there were limitations in diplomatic challenges, but that he knew about Nthole’s detention in Addis.

“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 then.

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

Ambassador Ntšiuoa Sekete, Lesotho’s envoy to Ethiopia, she simply texted “speak communications [in] the department of ministry of foreign affairs and international relations.(sic)”

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

Minister of Local Government Lebona Lephema told this publication it was his first time hearing of the issue. He however, asked whether “they (councillors) want to absolve him (Nthole)?”

“Nevertheless, I will get back to you,” Lephema said.

Public Eye has learnt though, through Sephokong Council Chairperson, Phooko Phooko that Local Government officials visited them last week in a bid to get clarity on the subject.

“We meet with Local Government Director General (‘Mating Mahoana) last month, where we reported to her on the absence of Nthole,” Phooko said.

For her part, Mahoana told this publication that the councillors “know what to do,” without getting into details.

“Yes, I met them for a meeting and the matter of the absence of the councillor came up,” she noted.  

The Local Government Act of 1997 mandates that councillors who miss three consecutive meetings forfeit their seats.

Section 11 (3) states: “Any councillor who, without leave of the council first obtained, fails to attend three consecutive general meetings of the council shall ipso facto (by the fact itself) vacate his office.”

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

“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,” fuming Motseki said then.

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 close to the matter disclosed. 

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

Commenting particularly on the Ambassador’s reaction, 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 then.

Attempts to get further comment from Lephema proved unsuccessful.

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?

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 multifaceted approach can the country curb this dangerous trend and safeguard its future generations.