The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) has reported that a total of M33,601,142.53 was recovered through asset recovery proceedings between April and November 2025.
This figure was highlighted during a media briefing delivered by Director-General Sello Mantšo on Wednesday.
Mandated to prevent and combat corruption, economic offences, and money laundering in Lesotho, the DCEO emphasised a renewed focus on being preventative and proactive, rather than reactive.
According to Mantšo, the Asset Recovery and Enforcement Unit, responsible for acquiring assets suspected to be proceeds of crime, achieved significant recoveries during this period.
Five forfeiture orders were secured, covering five movable properties valued at M3,183,000, twelve immovable properties worth M4,350,000, and cash totaling M14,618,142.52, which together amounted to M22,151,142.53.
In addition, one restraining order was executed for two immovable properties valued at M7,500,000, while two preservation orders involved three movable properties worth M1,450,000 and one immovable property worth M2,500,000, totaling M3,950,000.
Collectively, these recoveries account for the reported M33,601,142.53.
Further successes were reported by the Integrity and Compliance Audits Unit, which conducted targeted audits in high-risk sectors.
A physical inspection and audit of the old-age pensions scheme revealed systematic abuse, resulting in immediate recovery of funds and detection of fraud. The DCEO identified payments made to 187 deceased pensioners, leading to a direct recovery of M345,850, which was deposited into government accounts.
Three suspected fraud cases were also uncovered, including an underage recipient, a Chief claiming benefits for two deceased pensioners, and a relative collaborating with the Chief in another instance.
District-specific recoveries included Qacha’s Nek (July 2025) – M127,350, Quthing (August 2025) – M60,800, Thaba-Tseka (September 2025) – M55,100, and Mokhotlong (October 2025) – M102,600, which correspond exactly to the total pension recoveries.
The Unit also deployed officers to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Local Government, Chiefs and Police (Passport & NICR) and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to monitor vehicle registration processes and ensure corruption-free service delivery, following public complaints about poor service. Officers were additionally deployed at Maseru District Hospital to oversee service delivery.
A major milestone was reported regarding Asset Declarations, which run from April to March annually. The DCEO announced that all Cabinet Ministers have submitted their asset declaration forms, a historic first for Lesotho.
To date, a total of 280 submissions have been received from key government officials, including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Government Secretary, Principal and Deputy Principal Secretaries, heads of oversight bodies, the Ombudsman, the Accountant General, DCEO officials, LAA officials, and senior public officials.
Mantšo acknowledged the challenges faced by the DCEO, citing legal bottlenecks and public reluctance to report corruption. “Slow prosecution processes, legislative gaps, and lack of a specialised anti-corruption court, combined with fear of retaliation due to insufficient whistleblower protection, reduce public confidence,” he said.
Despite these hurdles, Mantšo stressed that the DCEO remained committed to promoting integrity, accountability, and transparent governance. “Continued collaboration with the public, civil society, and the media will be essential in sustaining momentum against corruption. We consider the media our strategic partner and value its significant role in the fight against corruption. Corruption cannot be fought by enforcement alone. Cultural change matters, and we need the media to play this role,” he added.
Summary
- Mandated to prevent and combat corruption, economic offences, and money laundering in Lesotho, the DCEO emphasised a renewed focus on being preventative and proactive, rather than reactive.
- Three suspected fraud cases were also uncovered, including an underage recipient, a Chief claiming benefits for two deceased pensioners, and a relative collaborating with the Chief in another instance.
- To date, a total of 280 submissions have been received from key government officials, including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Government Secretary, Principal and Deputy Principal Secretaries, heads of oversight bodies, the Ombudsman, the Accountant General, DCEO officials, LAA officials, and senior public officials.
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
