…over road protest
Ithabeleng Qhasho
THE Semphethenyane residents have accused police of violating their rights after several community members were arrested and detained during a protest demanding the rehabilitation of the long-neglected Semphethenyane Road.
The residents gathered on Monday to seek answers over the deteriorating state of the road, which they say has been neglected for about 15 years despite reports allegedly indicating that rehabilitation work had been completed.
The protest involved demonstrators blocking the now gravel road and burning tyres before police arrived at the scene.
According to residents, police demanded to know who had started the fire before arresting several people. Community members allege that some of those detained had not participated in any unlawful activity and were merely present when officers arrived.
Others claim they were arrested while speaking to journalists about the service delivery challenges facing the community.
Residents described the arrests as intimidation and harassment, arguing that they were exercising their constitutional right to demand basic services from the government.
One resident, Sebolelo Moleleki, alleged that she was forcefully detained and humiliated during the arrest process.
“I was undressed during the arrest and felt humiliated,” Ms Moleleki claimed.
Another resident, Putsoeli Rampoba of Seoli, who later appeared in court, said he was arrested after questioning police about the treatment of another community member.
“I simply asked what was happening and why the person was handcuffed with a shoelace,” Mr Rampoba alleged. “The officer then accused me of obstructing the law and detained me.”
Meanwhile, Nyemala Mats’osa said her brother was arrested while doing laundry at his home but was later released without charge.
The arrests have raised concerns among residents about the treatment of citizens participating in peaceful demonstrations and expressing concerns over public service delivery.
Speaking in an interview, Ombudsman Advocate Tlotliso Polaki said detaining individuals without reasonable suspicion of a specific crime, subjecting them to collective punishment and using excessive force are prohibited by law.
“Under Chapter II of the Constitution of Lesotho, the alleged police actions described amount to indirect violations of fundamental human rights,” Adv Polaki said.
She added that affected community members have legal grounds to lodge formal complaints.
MCC denies funds were allocated for road
The controversy stems from residents’ demands for accountability over reports they believe suggested that rehabilitation work on Semphethenyane Road had already been completed.
However, the Maseru City Council (MCC) has denied that any funds were allocated for the maintenance of the road.
Town Clerk ‘Moea Makhakhe said Semphethenyane Road was not included in the council’s funded road maintenance projects.
According to Mr Makhakhe, available funding had been earmarked for the rehabilitation of the Qoaling Road corridor, stretching from Mr Seipobi’s area through Loretto towards Ha Machabachaba and the upper sections of the route.
He said the council intends to include Semphethenyane Road in its 2026/27 road maintenance programme because of its importance as a major access route.
Mr Makhakhe further noted that the road appears never to have had a proper drainage system and that some residential structures have been built within the road reserve, creating additional engineering and planning challenges.
The newly appointed Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship, Nkhethoa Seetsa, visited the community on Monday to assess the condition of the road and engage frustrated residents.
Mr Seetsa thanked community members for bringing the matter to the attention of authorities and said one of his priorities would be ensuring that the MCC expedites the provision of a temporary gravel road while plans for a permanent solution are finalised.
Eight appear in court
Meanwhile, eight residents, who were arrested on Monday, appeared before the Maseru Magistrates’ Court yesterday on charges of inciting violence.
The accused appeared before Magistrate Qhomane Qhomane and were represented by Attorney Khotso Nthontho and Advocate Mpheulane Phosholi. The Crown was represented by Advocate Likhapha Rabale.
According to the charge sheet, the accused are alleged to have acted in concert and in furtherance of a common purpose by conducting themselves in a manner that led to public violence, singing offensive songs, burning tyres in the middle of a public road and obstructing the use of the road.
One of the accused, Teboho Sauli, faces an additional charge of possessing a firearm in a public place.
However, Attorney Nthontho argued that Mr Sauli was merely passing through the area with a licensed firearm and had no intention of using it unlawfully.
Another accused, Reaboka Lethola, was charged with resisting arrest and obstructing police officers in the execution of their duties.
Mr Lethola was granted bail of M500 but was unable to post bail on the same day because court proceedings concluded late.
