Security agencies back in the fray
‘MANTŠANG KHUTLISI
MASERU – Lesotho’s security agencies convened a joint press conference to address what they described as growing threats to peace and security of the nation to the dismay of many last Friday.
The agencies, made up of heads of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, Lesotho Defence Force, National Security Service as well as the Correctional Services said they were compelled to speak out due to serious concerns about the increasing instability facing the country.
Speaking on behalf of the collective security sector, Police Commissioner Borotho Matsoso expressed alarm over what he termed a “coordinated effort by certain individuals and groups both within and outside Lesotho who appear determined to undermine national unity, disturb the peace as well as tarnish key national institutions, including the Royal Family.”
“It has come to our recognition that there are elements who are working tirelessly to destroy the peace and the foundation of our country, we cannot sit back and remain silent while forces are working to destabilize Lesotho,” he said.
One of the striking revelations during the press briefing was the mention of a specific group allegedly behind the disruption.
According to the security agencies, the group has been labeled “Malata Naha”, identified as enemies of the state and suspected of engaging in activities that threaten the stability of the Lesotho and lacking respect for national leadership.
The agencies emphasized that these elements are not only attempting to incite division but are also attacking the dignity of the monarchy, which remains a central pillar of national identity and unity of Lesotho.
“We urge all those involved in the campaigns that disrespect or undermine the Royal Family to immediately stop. It is deeply concerning that the very institution that symbolizes unity is being used as a target to promote division and instability,” Matsoso warned.
Furthermore, the agencies jointly condemned any form of insurrection, incitement or coordinated campaigns against the state and called Basotho to be alert, remain patriotic and safeguard national interests.
They also stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and warned that anyone found to be actively working against the peace and sovereignty of Lesotho will face the full might of the law.
Members of the public were urged to report any suspicious behavior or mobilization that could lead to social unrest or political violence.
“We are calling on every Mosotho to stand up for peace, to stand up for unity and to say no to those who want to plunge the country into chaos,” Matsoso concluded.
The statement made by the security sectors serve as both a warning and plea for cooperation, unity and above all, respect for the values that hold the nation together.
Meanwhile, in a politically charged climate where information can easily be weaponized, the leader of Basotho National Party (BNP), Machesetsa Mofomobe, issued a thought-provoking and cautionary response to the recent allegations surrounding Tšepo Lipholo, Basotho Covenant Movement (BCM) leader who is in jail on sedition charges.
According to Friday’s security presser, Lipholo is said to be operating a military training force in parts of the Republic of South Africa, a claim that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
Mofomobe, known for his outspoken and critical stance on matters of national interest, challenged such claims, arguing it is difficult to accept the existence of a paramilitary training force allegedly organised and run by Lipholo within a sovereign nation like South Africa without the knowledge or rather acknowledgement of its government or security agencies.
Mofomobe stated that South Africa is a constitutional democratic country with well-structured intelligence and security institutions.
He added that if such Lipholo’s forces were operating within South Africa’s borders, “one would expect to have formal records, investigations or at the very least, a statement of awareness from South African authorities,” adding that the said the absence of such raises legitimate concerns about the authenticity of such claims.
This is not the first time the security agencies make a joint statement. Back in late 2023 they jointly vowed not to allow Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane to be ousted in a parliamentary vote of no confidence.
Then LMPS Commissioner, Holomo Molibeli, current LDF Commander, Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela, and with then NSS Director General, Pheello Ralenkoane, vowed to foil any attempt to change of government – adding that Members of Parliament (MP) should focus on the completion of the ongoing national reforms.
Molibeli declared that a no-confidence vote to push Matekane out would never see the light of day.
Molibeli an Co. weighed in that the MPs’ move to change government was being motivated by self-interest and hunger for power.
“We therefore, notify you that those actions of change of government in parliament will never happen. What will take place is the completion of the national reforms process, nothing else,” Molibeli was quoted saying.
While eventually Basotho Action Party leader, Professor Nqosa Mahao, joined the coalition government with his six members, saved the Matekane administration, the involvement of the security agencies left similar fears as these recently raised.
