×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

SA‚ Zimbabwe and Namibia to probe death of Lesotho’s former army commander

Cyril Ramaphosa Deputy President South Africa
Cyril Ramaphosa Deputy President South Africa

Lesotho’s Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili will meet with the members of the South African Development Community (SADC) Double Troika on Friday.

That’s the result of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa visit this week to the troubled mountain kingdom after being dispatched there by President Jacob Zuma‚ the chairperson of SADC’s peace and security organ.

The Presidency said Zuma had “become more concerned about the apparent explosive security situation” there following the “flight of the three opposition leaders and the killing of Maaparankoe Mahao‚ former commander of the Lesotho Defence Force”.

Ramaphosa reported on Wednesday that “Mosisili has requested that SADC should assist with the investigation into the death of Lieutenant-General Mahao‚ as well as to assist with the pathology examination around his death”.

“South Africa will be sending pathologists‚ to do the examination and other countries in the region; Zimbabwe and Namibia will be sending investigators to investigate the circumstances around Lieutenant-General Mahao’s death.”

Ramaphosa said he also “took the opportunity to meet other stakeholders…parties in the opposition‚ we met the churches‚ we met the non-governmental organisations and also His Majesty King Letsie III”.

“And no doubt everyone is very concerned about the passing of Lieutenant General Mahao…It is this that has prompted the leaders in the region to call a summit of the Double Troika‚” said Ramaphosa.

“And I am sure that out of that discussion will come suggestions‚ proposals and solutions of how to take matters forward here in Lesotho.”

 

 

 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.