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Johannesburg – Two South African pathologists will be sent to Lesotho to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a army commander, Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said on Sunday.
“Two pathologists from South Africa [are to be sent] to assist with the postmortem process,” said deputy presidential spokesman Ronnie Mamoepa in a statement.
He said that the decision to offer this medical expertise was taken at a SA Development Community (SADC) Double Troika summit held in Pretoria on Friday.
The meeting also confirmed the establishment of a commission of inquiry into Mahao’s death, as well as renewed Ramaphosa’s mandate to facilitate peace in the mountain kingdom.
Investigators from Zimbabwe and Namibia would also assist in the probe into the death.
“An oversight committee which will act as early warning mechanism in the event of signs of instability will be established and intervene in consultation with… Ramaphosa.”
Mahao was allegedly shot dead by members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) in his village home on the outskirts of Maseru late last month.
According to reports, opposition leaders, journalists and lawyers who have spoken out against Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili and his defence force chief, Tlali Kamoli, are fleeing the country.
Three opposition leaders have fled the country, fearing for their lives. This includes former prime minister Tom Thabane, who was an ally of Mahao.
