Yearly Archives: 2024
Moorosi Tsiane THE non-payment of lawyers representing accused persons in high profile cases, on a pro deo basis, is hindering their progress. High Court Judge, Charles Hungwe, who is handling some of the cases, has been forced to postpone the murder trial of former Hlotse Police Station commander, Senior Superintendent (SSP) Thabo Tšukulu, due to the non-payment of the latter’s defence lawyers. SSP Tšukulu and three others […]
Mathatisi Sebusi THE Land Administration Authority (LAA) has cautioned Basotho against dealing with unregistered estate agents, who often sell land that later leads to disputes. Speaking to Lesotho Times this week, LAA Director of Corporate Services, Tankiso Sephoso, highlighted that unregistered estate agents were a growing problem in the land sector, with many lacking proper qualifications. The LAA was […]
MINISTER in the Prime Minister’s Office, Limpho Tau, recently blocked National Security Service (NSS) Acting Director-General (DG), Lebohang Mafisa, from forcefully redeploying 16 officers. Minister Tau’s move was in response to the turmoil at the NSS, the national spy agency Mr Mafisa has been accused of running into the ground. Mr Mafisa had sought […]
Moroke Sekoboto PRIME Minister Sam Matekane has underscored the importance of youth leadership in driving economic growth and social development through the Sebabatso Initiative. The Initiative aims to address youth unemployment by supporting business enterprises of young people. The premier spoke during the opening of the second edition of Sebabatso Initiative conference currently underway at the ‘Manthabiseng […]
Leemisa Thuseho LOCAL Sesotho hip-hop star, Sannere, has been roped in as the new brand ambassador for the Lesotho National Insurance Group (LNIG) Hollard. Born Relebohile Monapathi, Sannere, was unveiled as the insurance giant’s icon at an event at the State Library in Maseru this week. The partnership will last for two years. Sesotho hip hop – also called Sotho-hop - is a genre of music that originates in Lesotho. […]
Letsatsi Selikoe IN an effort to strengthen safety procedures at the Polihali Dam construction site, where a new water transfer tunnel is being built, Kopano Ke Matla (KKM) contractors, in collaboration with Vitality Health and the South African Air Mercy Service (AMS), this week conducted a large-scale emergency drill to test safety protocols. The exercise tested the readiness of emergency response teams, including […]
When I first read the Pension Funds Act 2019 (PFA), my impression was that it is an expensive legislation to administer. But the fact that it is expensive is not a bad thing. In fact, this maybe one of its positive aspects as I will argue in this article. Let me start from the beginning. […]
Moorosi Tsiane THE National University of Lesotho (NUL) Head of the Department of Procedural and Adjectival Law, Itumeleng ‘Mamokhali Shale, will today be sworn in as a new judge of the High Court by His Majesty King Letsie III. According to a memo issued by Deputy Registrar of the High Court, Advocate Pontšo Phafoli to […]
Mohloai Mpesi CENTRAL Bank of Lesotho (CBL) has issued a stern warning to government ministries, advising them to accept payments made with South African banknotes. This comes after reports that ministries have been rejecting payments in Rands, citing concerns over counterfeit notes or illegal money. The CBL said such practices could have serious repercussions on Lesotho’s economy and its […]
WITH a rise in land disputes across the country, the Lesotho Times reporter Mathatisi Sebusi sat down with Land Administration Authority (LAA) Director of Corporate Services, Tankiso Sephoso, to understand the role of the LAA in land ownership and the processes involved in acquiring and purchasing land. A recent high-profile feud involved two people holding leases to the same piece of land […]
Letsatsi Selikoe EMPOWERING people to take ownership of their natural resources is key to creating a resilient and flourishing society, a German minister has said. Minister of State from the German Foreign Ministry, Katja Keul, said building a sustainable future required not only innovative environmental preservation strategies but also the involvement of local communities in the […]
–as PM prepares to mark two years in office Bongiwe Zihlangu PRIME Minister Sam Matekane is poised to celebrate two years in office on 28 October 2024. His has been a journey mostly marred by challenges, although of late his government seems to have found its rhythm. While Mr Matekane and his cabinet appeared to […]
A friend called me to discuss my recent column condemning the so-called Business Licensing Regulations, which seek to “empower” and “enrich” Basotho by banning foreigners from competing against them across 47 business sectors. The column was published under the headline “Those the Gods want to destroy……….” The friend made a point that made me want to […]
Leemisa Thuseho OLYMPIANS, Tebello Ramakongoana and Neheng Khatala, are winners of both the male and female categories of the fourth edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban 10km race. They each won first prizes in their respective categories after their top class performances in the event that took place at Kings Park Outer Fields in the South […]
Moroke Sekoboto LESOTHO national Under-20 team, Makoanyane XI, have bowed out of the ongoing Council of Southern African Football Association (COSAFA) Under-20 Championship. This is despite their 3-2 triumph over Malawi on Tuesday. The win could not redeem them, having dismally lost their previous group stage matches. They found themselves at the bottom of Group C […]
— But DCEO’s handling of case raises eyebrows Investigations Desk Motena Lishea, the woman at the centre of a humungous M280 million fraud, which has sullied Lesotho as a safe investment destination, and which has cost hundreds of jobs, has been arrested. Lishea was arrested and taken to court by the Directorate on Corruption and […]
Mohloai Mpesi THE Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) has launched an investigation into alleged corruption and misuse of power by the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Molupe Pheko. Mr Pheko is accused of a range of misconduct since taking office last November. Among the allegations, he is said to […]
Moorosi Tsiane THE Lesotho Post Bank (LPB) Chief Sales Officer, ‘Mathabo Tšehlo, and former Ministry of Gender and Youth, Sport and Recreation Principal Secretary (PS), Tjoetsane Seoka, appeared before Magistrate Thamae Thamae yesterday, charged with fraud. According to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), Ms Tšehlo, in collaboration with Mr Seoka, allegedly made […]
…as student is suspected of murdering lover before killing himself Moorosi Tsiane IT is one thing to see tragic events depicted on television and in movies. But when such tragedies occur in one’s neighborhood and become real life experiences, they can destroy their soul. So it is with Karabo Phoka, a fourth-year Bachelor of Statistics and Demography student at the National University of […]
Mathatisi Sebusi THE Media Institute of Southern Africa – Lesotho Chapter (MISA-Lesotho) has called on the government and Parliament to expedite the enactment of the Access to Information Bill 2021, which was initiated by the now-dissolved National Reforms Authority (NRA). MISA-Lesotho has also recommended that the Computer Crime and Cybersecurity Bill 2024 not be passed in its […]
—as Muela shutdown begins Following widespread complaints from Basotho regarding the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC)’s service delivery inefficiencies, particularly delays in electricity connections, the Lesotho Times (LT)’s reporter, ‘Mathatisi Sebusi, spoke to LEC Public Relations Manager, Tšepang Ledia, to try and establish the facts. Many Basotho have claimed that despite having paid connection fees up to six months ago, they have yet to be connected to […]
…pleads for culpable homicide conviction Moorosi Tsiane IN a sudden twist of events, murder accused Qamo Matela has admitted to assaulting his wife, ‘Mahlompho Matela (née Rethabile Mofolo), a few days before her death on 10 September 2021 at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein. Matela, who had all the time maintained his wife had died of natural causes, […]
Staff Reporter TELECOMMUNCATIONS powerhouse, Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL), has once again demonstrated its commitment to transforming communication across Lesotho with the introduction of Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) services. VoLTE is a cutting-edge technology that enables high-definition voice calls over the 4G LTE network, providing clearer and faster connections. The service enhances voice call quality, […]
Mohloai Mpesi THE Petroleum Fund and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) have joined forces to combat criminal activities that continue to intensify within the fuel industry. According to Petroleum Fund Head of Operations, Lebohang Makhoali, the Fund faces significant challenges, including the illegal importation of fuel from neighbouring countries. He complained about companies involved in […]
…as the Duke of Sussex visits Lesotho Moroke Sekoboto PRIME Minister Sam Matekane has commended Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, for his long-standing dedication to Lesotho, particularly through his work with the charity Sentebale. In a social media statement, Mr Matekane expressed gratitude for Prince Harry’s significant contributions to Lesotho through the Sentebale charity, highlighting the positive impact […]
Seithati Motšoeneng THE Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) commemorated World Tourism Day with Sani Top herd boys as a way of acknowledging the crucial role they play in the tourism value chain. The tourism day, celebrated annually on the 27th of September, was this year held under the theme “Tourism and Peace”. It saw the LTDC distribute blankets and gumboots, […]
Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s meeting this week with billionaire, Elon Musk, has thrown Basotho into a frenzy, in anticipation of Starlink’s launch in Lesotho. The launch expected by the end of this year, will shake up Lesotho’s telecommunication sector to the benefit of consumers who will likely see prices of data significantly going down. […]
Mohalenyane Phakela A WEB of corruption and fraud, worth a whopping M109 million, involving tenders for the purchase of agricultural inputs has been unearthed by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO). The fraud at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food security and Nutrition involved corrupt officials and their accomplices, including Democratic Congress (DC) legislator for Mechachane […]
…As energy minister warns of possible loadshedding Moorosi Tsiane MINISTER of Energy, Professor Nqosa Mahao, has disclosed that the Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) is in financial dire straits primarily due to “mismanagement” by its Board of Directors. In an affidavit filed in the High Court this week, Prof Mahao states that the LEC’s financial report to the Cabinet last month revealed a staggering M712 576 648.04 debt to the power utility’s suppliers. This financial strain is […]
Mohloai Mpesi PRIME Minister Sam Matekane says when he ordered the army to fight and uproot crime in Lesotho, it was not a blank cheque for them to cross the line by torturing and killing civilians. Instead, Mr Matekane says, his intention was that Basotho should be protected from the escalating murders that have crippled […]