BNP condemns army brutality

Basotho National Party (BNP) leader Machesetsa Mofomobe has condemned recent incidents of brutality by members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), which have left some civilians dead and others injured.

Speaking at a press conference in Maseru yesterday, Mofomobe lamented that the acts of brutality are happening under prime minister Samuel Matekane’s watch and he is blasé about them.

“We are committed to ensuring victims receive justice, especially since in most cases they are usually falsely implicated.

“It is against the law for members of the LDF to engage in search and arrest operations without partnering with the police. That contravenes Section 71 of the Police Act, which clearly delineates the respective roles of the police and the military.

“The prime minister would be better advised to rein in the soldiers, lest his administration is tainted by army excesses. Ironically, the same soldiers might turn on him one day,” Mofomobe said.