MASERU — The Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) commander Major General Phatoli Lekanyane is expected to be replaced as army boss today, barely seven months after his appointment.
Major General Lekanyane replaced Lieutenant-General Thuso Motanyane on August 24 last year.
At the time of going to print last night the Lesotho Times had not managed to establish who was taking over from Major Gen. Lekanyane.
It was also not possible to establish the reason why Major Gen. Lekanyane is being replaced after such a short period.
His predecessor, Lt. General Motanyane, held the position for eight years until he retired.
The LDF’s head of public affairs Captain Ntlele Ntoi confirmed that there will be a change of the army command today.
“We have sent a letter of invitation to all media houses including yours to attend a change of command ceremony at the LDF tomorrow (today). You will know the rest when you reach there,” Ntoi said.
When he took the reins last August Major Gen. Lekanyane promised to maintain the standard set by his predecessor.
“I will do my best to maintain the standard he has set,” Major Gen. Lekanyane said.
“We will do our best to keep the best standards in the army. I feel honoured to take over this job and with all my heart I accept it,” Major Gen. Lekanyane said.
“It is through his stable leadership that the LDF is what it is today: a united organisation.
“He (Lt. Gen. Motanyane) selflessly served the nation and the army and instilled a spirit of patriotism in the officers,” he said.
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Major Gen. Lekanyane leaves the LDF command amid speculation that some soldiers had been arrested in connection with theft of a number of AK47 assault rifles and the military police were investigating the case.