…after alleged rape and murder at Mohale Dam
Moroke Sekoboto
THE Minister of Home Affairs and Police, Voeswa Tsheka, has announced the successful recovery of the body of an 11-year-old girl from Thaba-Putsoa, who was allegedly raped and dumped into Mohale Dam by a man on 3 May 2026.
Briefing Parliament this week, Ms Tsheka confirmed that the suspect was apprehended by police on 5 May and remained in custody.
She said the family of the deceased would be notified should the suspect apply for bail or be granted release.
Ms Tsheka also assured the National Assembly that the government would provide full burial assistance and psychological counselling to the bereaved family.
“After a question was raised on Friday regarding the alleged rape and dumping of a girl at Mohale Dam by Thaba-Putsoa legislator, Lebohang Monaheng, I went there to establish what had happened. I found that the alleged assault and murder took place on 3 May, while police began investigations on 4 May and successfully arrested the suspect on 5 May. The suspect remains in police custody,” Ms Tsheka said.
“We do not expect the suspect to be granted bail without consultation with the victim’s family or the police.”
She further explained that police rescue teams initially failed to retrieve the child’s body from the dam.
“On Saturday (May 9), the police rescue team went to Mohale Dam but failed to recover the body. They returned on Sunday (May 10) and successfully retrieved it.
“The government will provide counselling for the siblings and cover the funeral costs through the Ministry of Social Development,” Ms Tsheka said.
The minister’s swift intervention drew praise from parliamentarians. National Assembly Speaker, Tlohang Sekhamane, commended Ms Tsheka for acting decisively soon after the matter was brought before the House.
“The fact that you have delivered only days after your appointment is a good sign. We hope you continue with the good work. Do not let our applause distract you from discharging your duties,” Mr Sekhamane said.
Mr Monaheng, who first raised the matter in Parliament last Friday, also thanked the minister for coordinating efforts that led to the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of the child’s body. He further applauded the government’s commitment to assist with burial costs, noting the vulnerability of the deceased’s family.
The tragedy reignited debate over Lesotho’s judicial and security frameworks. Highlighting the vulnerability of citizens, leader of the Basotho Action Party, Nqosa Mahao, urged lawmakers to expedite the enactment of the Bail Bill, which was first drafted in 2021, to strengthen legal protections for Basotho citizens.
The Bail Bill is expected to tighten the granting of bail in a bid to deter offenders.
Minister of Law and Justice, Richard Ramoeletsi, assured Parliament that the Bail Bill had been finalised and was ready to be tabled before the House.
