Basotho National Party (BNP) leader Machesetsa Mofomobe appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court yesterday facing three charges linked to an alleged drug manufacturing operation involving a clandestine laboratory in Khubetsoana.
Police went to Mofomobe’s home on Wednesday, but he was not there. Law enforcement subsequently directed him to make himself available for court proceedings, which he did yesterday.
Mofomobe is accused of aiding and abetting the production and transportation of illicit drugs, unlawfully importing machinery allegedly intended for drug manufacturing, and deliberately polluting the environment.
The charges stem from his alleged connection to four co-accused who appeared in court last month in connection with a suspected drug laboratory discovered in Khubetsoana, Berea.
The facility is suspected of manufacturing various types of drugs. Authorities have linked the operation to three Chinese nationals — Chen Wu, Chen Minglevu and Yeng Xiong Kang — and their company, Stan Dar (Pty) Ltd. Also implicated is Kemang Masupha, an official from the Ministry of Trade, Business Development and Industry.
The charges have been brought under the Medicines and Medical Devices Control Authority Act of 2023 and the Environment Act of 2008.
Magistrate Matšoloane Qhomane granted Mofomobe bail of M5,000, with a surety of M50,000, after the prosecution did not oppose his release.
His bail conditions require him to attend all court proceedings, refrain from interfering with Crown witnesses and avoid obstructing the ongoing investigation.
Mofomobe, represented by Advocate Machanduka Mukhawana, is due back in court on August 25, 2026. Advocate Keketso Motiki is leading the prosecution.
Mofomobe denies allegations
Speaking during a Facebook livestream yesterday afternoon following his court appearance, Mofomobe denied the allegations, describing the charges as persecution.
He claimed that a police officer had been pressured to find grounds on which to charge him but had refused to do so.
“I saw her at the court today. She refused to charge me but because they wanted me to be charged, they did it without her,” he said.
Mofomobe said the purpose of the case was to break him, but vowed that he would not be intimidated.
“I will always be available in court to answer for myself. I will stand the trial to its finality. And I will beat them,” he said.
He also said that, should he be convicted, he would resign as BNP leader.
“I cannot continue to lead BNP when the court has found me guilty of being part of the production of drugs that destroy the future of Basotho’s children. No such person has to lead,” he said.
Mofomobe remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
Summary
- Basotho National Party (BNP) leader Machesetsa Mofomobe appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court yesterday facing three charges linked to an alleged drug manufacturing operation involving a clandestine laboratory in Khubetsoana.
- The charges stem from his alleged connection to four co-accused who appeared in court last month in connection with a suspected drug laboratory discovered in Khubetsoana, Berea.
- “I cannot continue to lead BNP when the court has found me guilty of being part of the production of drugs that destroy the future of Basotho’s children.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He reports on accountability, human rights, exposes corruption and wrong doing by those in power. He reports have exposed corruption, abuse of power, fraud, misconduct and negligence. He subscribes to evidence-based reporting. He reports on governance, parliament, courts, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and agriculture. He gives a voice to the marginalised while also demanding accountability. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
