Staff Reporter
A warrant of arrest was issued yesterday by the Maseru Magistrate Court for the leader of the opposition Basotho National Party (BNP), Machesetsa Mofomobe, in connection with charges of defeating the ends of justice.
The warrant, reportedly sought by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), though its spokesperson, ‘Matlhokomelo Senoko, claimed to be unaware of such developments when questioned, has sparked a wave of controversy as Mofomobe last night criticised the handling of his arrest.
Mofomobe confirmed his arrest.
“Yes, I was arrested by the DCEO, but there was no need for a warrant. They could have called me, talked to me, and I would have cooperated with them,” he said.
He further defended his track record of cooperating with law enforcement, emphasising that politicians, like all Basotho citizens, must comply with the law when properly requested by authorities.
“Every politician, when wanted by police in accordance with the law, should assist the police in doing their job. Every Mosotho, when wanted by police and this being done in accordance with the law, should also assist the police,” he said.
Mofomobe’s arrest is allegedly linked to accusations that he leaked a confidential DCEO report that was later published by the Lesotho Times.
The report exposed a massive M109 million corruption scandal involving fraudulent tenders for agricultural inputs at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Nutrition.
Senior officials are accused of bypassing competitive bidding procedures to steer lucrative contracts to favoured companies, inflating payments, and pocketing kickbacks.
The leaked report implicates top officials in the Ministry of Agriculture in orchestrating the multi-million malfeasance, which occurred between 2021 and 2022.
The scheme is alleged to have involved illicit transfers continuing into 2023.
While the DCEO remains tight-lipped on the arrest, Mofomobe, however, was defiant yesterday.
“If members of the NSS [National Security Service] can arrive at my home and demand my cellphones without complying with the law, I will refuse, then go to court to challenge them and win against them,” he said.
The BNP leader insisted that the arrest was a needless show of force, reaffirming his willingness to comply with the law but only when due process is followed.
Summary
- A warrant of arrest was issued yesterday by the Maseru Magistrate Court for the leader of the opposition Basotho National Party (BNP), Machesetsa Mofomobe, in connection with charges of defeating the ends of justice.
- The warrant, reportedly sought by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO), though its spokesperson, ‘Matlhokomelo Senoko, claimed to be unaware of such developments when questioned, has sparked a wave of controversy as Mofomobe last night criticised the handling of his arrest.
- The BNP leader insisted that the arrest was a needless show of force, reaffirming his willingness to comply with the law but only when due process is followed.
Welcome to Newsday Media – Your Trusted Source for News and Insights in Lesotho!
At Newsday Media, we are passionate about delivering accurate, timely, and engaging news and multimedia content to our diverse audience. Founded with the vision of revolutionizing the media landscape in Lesotho, we have grown into a leading hybrid media company that blends traditional journalism with innovative digital platforms.
Our mission is simple: to inform, inspire, and empower our readers by providing comprehensive coverage of local and global events, current affairs, and cultural happenings. Whether you’re looking for breaking news, in-depth analysis, or captivating storytelling, Newsday Media is your go-to destination for all things news-related.
With a dedicated team of journalists, editors, and multimedia experts, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity and professionalism. We pride ourselves on delivering content that not only informs but also sparks conversation, fosters understanding, and drives positive change in our society.
From our flagship newspaper to our dynamic digital platforms, we offer a wide range of multimedia content to cater to the diverse interests and preferences of our audience. Whether you prefer to stay informed through print, online articles, videos, or podcasts, Newsday Media has something for everyone.
We believe in the power of storytelling to connect people, bridge divides, and inspire action. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing a platform for voices from all walks of life, championing diversity, inclusion, and authenticity in everything we do.
Thank you for visiting Newsday Media. We invite you to explore our website, engage with our content, and join us on our journey to inform, inspire, and empower our community. Together, let’s shape the future of media in Lesotho.
