Bokang Mofoka
A dispute over alleged livestock theft escalated into one of the most violent incidents to hit villages in Mohale’s Hoek in recent months, leaving one village guard dead, two others seriously injured, and several homes destroyed by fire.
The alleged livestock theft spiralled into a deadly gun battle that later prompted a military operation extending into Qacha’s Nek.
The violence, which began at around 11pm, has left rural communities reeling amid growing concern over the increasing use of firearms in livestock theft-related crimes.
The chairperson of the policing forum responsible for Qalane, Motsekuoa and Linakeng, Lempe Nchakha, said the confrontation followed investigations into the disappearance of livestock belonging to villagers.
According to Mr Nchakha, one resident, identified as Lelumanyane, had reported missing goats, while another villager, Serabele, had lost sheep.
He alleged that villagers suspected a local man identified only as Mohapi of stealing the goats, while six men from another village, allegedly acting under the authority of a local chief, were suspected of stealing Serabele’s sheep.
These allegations have not been tested in court, and no official findings have been made regarding the thefts.
Mr Nchakha said the policing forum first approached the area chief to inform him that they intended to arrest a suspect identified as Mohau, whom they believed was linked to the livestock thefts.
“The matter started when we went to report to the chief that we intended to arrest Mohau, who was suspected of involvement in livestock theft,” Mr Nchakha said.
According to Mr Nchakha, the chief, who is also Mohau’s neighbour, advised against making an arrest during the night, saying it would be unlawful to apprehend a suspect after dark.
“He told us it would be against the law to arrest someone at night and instructed us to wait until morning,” he said.
At the time, a music concert was underway in the village.
Mr Nchakha said the chief ordered that the gathering be dispersed because some of the individuals the policing forum wanted to question were allegedly attending the event.
However, he claimed that after the crowd had dispersed, the chief instructed village guards to remain at the venue while he returned home.
He further alleged that the chief’s son threw a stone at one of the village guards during the confrontation.
“We were still waiting when everything suddenly changed,” Mr Nchakha said.
He alleged that Mohau later arrived at the concert venue accompanied by the six men before they opened fire on members of the policing forum.
“They then started shooting at the door of the hall where the concert was held,” he said.
Mr Nchakha said attempts were made to summon the chief after the shooting erupted.
“We called for the chief to come and see what was happening, but after that he went back home,” he alleged.
During the exchange of gunfire, one village guard was shot dead.
Mr Nchakha said two other village guards were wounded while attempting to rescue their fallen colleague.
“One of our colleagues died at the scene, while the other two were seriously injured. They are still receiving treatment in hospital,” he said.
Following the shooting, the suspected attackers allegedly fled towards Phula Likhama, where the violence escalated further.
Mr Nchakha alleged that the group attacked the home of Serabele, whose sheep had reportedly been stolen, setting the house ablaze.
During the attack, Serabele’s wife reportedly sustained injuries to one of her legs.
“The suspects burnt Serabele’s house and his wife was injured while the attack was taking place,” he said.
He further alleged that the group then targeted the home of another livestock owner, Sehanka, whose sheep had also reportedly disappeared.
“They burnt three houses belonging to Sehanka, shot one of his cattle and injured his wife,” Mr Nchakha claimed.
According to him, the suspects later proceeded to Serabele’s son’s home, where they allegedly torched another house. No injuries were reported in that attack.
Mr Nchakha said members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) were later deployed after the suspects crossed into Qacha’s Nek.
“The next day the army found the suspects in Qacha’s Nek,” he said.
According to Mr Nchakha, two suspects were arrested while two others were killed during the military operation. He said additional suspects remained at large.
Authorities had not publicly confirmed the reported arrests or deaths by the time of publication.
The incident has heightened fears among residents over the growing prevalence of firearms in disputes linked to livestock theft, a crime that continues to plague rural communities where livestock remains a vital source of income and household wealth.
Community policing structures and village guards frequently work alongside traditional leaders and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) to combat stock theft. However, increasingly armed criminal groups have exposed volunteer policing members to greater danger.
Repeated attempts to obtain comment from the Qacha’s Nek District Administrator were unsuccessful, while calls to the office went unanswered.
The LMPS had also not responded to requests for comment by press time.
Police investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, arson attacks and the subsequent military operation, as authorities seek to identify all those involved and establish whether further arrests will follow.
Meanwhile, the affected communities are mourning the slain village guard while hoping for the recovery of his two injured colleagues, who remain hospitalised following one of the deadliest livestock theft-related incidents in the area in recent months.
