Share

Lesotho cops suspect own in coup attempt

Maseru - Lesotho's police force has launched an investigation into some of its own officers for their possible role in a coup attempt that left one policeman dead, senior commissioners have told AFP.

At least two officers are being investigated as part of a treason and murder inquiry, suggesting the putsch - which forced the prime minister to flee to South Africa - may be broader and more intricately planned than first thought.

In the early hours of 30 August soldiers moved on the homes of the prime minister, a minister, an army commander and the headquarters of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, leaving one officer dead and nine injured.

Prime Minster Tom Thabane escaped shortly beforehand, having received a tip-off.

"There are allegations that some police were working with military on this, and we're looking into it," Deputy Police Commissioner Masupha Masupha told AFP.

"Even I've been implicated. But investigating and charging are different things. If I find something, I won't shy away from confronting anyone with their unlawful acts."

Lehloka Maphatsoe - an assistant police commissioner who is also head of the Interpol national central bureau - told AFP on Monday that the cellphones of two police officers have been sent to neighbouring South Africa.

Police in Bloemfontein are checking for "suspicious communications" prior to the attacks - and if there were attempts to delete that evidence.

One apparent target of the August attack, government minister and coalition party leader Thesele Maseribane, told AFP he was not surprised by the accusations.

He has alleged that "renegade" military commander Tlali Kamoli, who still refuses to step down, and Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing carried out the coup in order to halt corruption investigations against them.

Police officers present on 30 August have reported soldiers demanded to see police files on the pair.

"After causing a crime, you have to cover that crime by committing another crime," Maseribane said.

"And if you have to find a way to steal files from the police, then you have to corrupt some police, too - by promising them promotions after the coup."

However, Maseribane said, in a nation of just 1.8 million Basotho, it's not easy to keep a conspiracy under wraps.

"We all know each other, we're all related, there are no secrets," he said.

"If you plan a coup, it must succeed. Because once it fails, people start talking. Many are now nervous, as others put the puzzle together and point fingers."

For Lesotho police - still mourning the comrade killed - news of an internal investigation has sown the seeds of distrust within the ranks.

Masupha hosted a meeting on Thursday for all officers, to air any concerns or grievances.

Some said they do not trust management, making accusations of complicity, because "some of you have been involved in this mess," according to one account of the meeting.

Masupha then tried to reassure them, saying that if any officer has any concrete information with allegations against any police officials, they could come forward to him, anonymously, and he would protect their identity.

Prime Minister Thabane and many of his allies now receive round the clock protection from Namibian and South African police deployed to the small mountainous kingdom.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
41% - 425 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
59% - 600 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.92
+0.1%
Rand - Pound
23.88
+0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.39
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.32
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
+0.0%
Platinum
908.05
+1.2%
Palladium
1,014.94
+1.3%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE