The Parliament Women’s Caucus has called on Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane to declare a state of emergency in response to the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV), including the brutal killings of women and children and incidents of rape.
Chairperson of the caucus, ‘Makatleho Motsoasele, said the group felt compelled to issue a strong statement condemning these atrocities while acknowledging that men and boys are also victims of GBV.
“We come together to denounce these horrific acts. Every day, we hear of a woman or child being brutally murdered, whether by throat-slitting, gun violence, or severe beatings. In most cases, the perpetrators are their own partners,” she said.
Motsoasele revealed that the caucus investigated the root causes of GBV and identified stress, drug abuse, and emotional distress as major contributing factors.
She emphasised that while Parliament has passed laws such as the Counter Domestic Violence Act of 2022 and the Sexual Offences Act of 2003, enforcement remains a challenge.
“After laws are enacted, they are handed over to other stakeholders for implementation. However, it is still our duty, through oversight, to ensure they are being enforced effectively,” she said.
Motsoasele added that the caucus has been particularly shaken by a recent case in which women carried the body of a murdered woman to the graveyard and buried her themselves. The victim was allegedly killed by her partner, a member of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) based in TY, Berea.
“To us, this act sent a powerful message: women no longer trust their male partners or spouses,” she stated.
She also criticised the decline of traditional Basotho values in raising children, citing the proverb “thupa e otlolloa e sale metsi” (a stick is straightened while still wet), implying that discipline and moral guidance in early childhood are essential in preventing violent behaviours later in life.
Concerns over how bail is granted in GBV cases were also raised.
‘Mamokete Ntšekhe, a member of both the Women’s Caucus and the Law and Public Safety Cluster, revealed that the committee is working extensively on the Bail Bill.
“For years, bail decisions have been made under various laws, but without an independent Bail Act. The Ministry of Law and Justice has now tabled a draft bill, consultations with the nation have been conducted, and Basotho’s views will be incorporated before the bill is debated in the National Assembly,” she said.
Minister of Gender, Youth, and Social Development Pitso Lesaoana acknowledged that while both men and women are victims of GBV, women and girls remain the most affected.
He highlighted various government efforts to combat GBV, including participation in global agreements such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and collaboration with the Child and Gender Protection Unit (CGPU).
“We have helplines 116 and 112 for reporting GBV cases. Additionally, through a partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), we are running the Male Engage Initiative, which educates men on respecting women,” he said.
Minister of Law and Justice Richard Ramoeletsi revealed shocking GBV statistics, with Mafeteng recording the highest number of cases between March 2024 and March 2025.
- Mafeteng: 125 cases (45 prosecuted, 29 ongoing, 18 withdrawn).
- Qacha’s Nek: 51 cases (21 prosecuted, 19 ongoing, 2 withdrawn).
- Mohale’s Hoek & Quthing: 49 cases each.
Ramoeletsi highlighted a recent case in Mohale’s Hoek, where a man was convicted of murdering two women from Qalakheng and sentenced to 40 years in each case, meaning 80 years in prison.
“This shows that our courts are now listening to the public’s concerns,” he said.
Minister of Home Affairs, Local Government, and Police Lebona Lephema stressed that while GBV advocacy often focuses on women, some cases also involve female perpetrators, particularly in child marriage and human trafficking.
He revealed that the police department is launching a ‘Dog Squad’ initiative to combat drug abuse, a known contributor to GBV.
“This initiative will help identify and crack down on drug dealers, reducing one of the major triggers of GBV,” he said.
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.
