Author: The Post

Parliament is set to strengthen the Office of the Ombudsman by turning it into that of a Public Protector whose decisions will be binding. The new office will be autonomous and independent, with its functions and powers defined by an Act of Parliament.

THE police have arrested a third suspect in the conspiracy to kill a key witness in the murder of radio presenter Ralikonelo Joki. Moeketsi Rantheba, 25, briefly appeared before the Maseru Magistrate’s Court last week charged with conspiracy to kill Teboho Kumi, an accomplice witness. Rantheba appeared before Magistrate Lebusa Tšosane.

Tlhabeli Thejane, 35, from Litsoetse, Koma-Koma in Thaba-Tseka, had M8 000 which he had stashed in his gumboots. But because he was heavily intoxicated, he forgot where he had placed the money and accused a neighbour of stealing it.

THE introduction of the Office of Paramount Chief in the constitution will serve as a buffer between the King and politicians, principal chiefs have said. The Principal Chief of Kueneng, Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete, said they want a Paramount Chief who will be allowed to work with the Cabinet and address their problems. Chief Peete …

THE secretary general of the Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS), Sechaba Mokhameleli, says the board decided to award the M2.2 million contract without a tender process. Mokhameleli who was acting secretary general when the contract was awarded to Keyha Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by local businessman Abner Moteane, said his only …

THE Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) fired two senior managers for opposing the board‘s decision to award a M2.2 million contract without following tender procedures. thepost can reveal that the Finance Director, Teboho Nkoane, and the Human Resources Manager, Moeketsi Ntlamelle, were suspended in March and fired in July after a protracted disciplinary hearing.

IT was a stormy elective conference that left ’Mabuang Mazenyo from Moyeni constituency dead while another party supporter, Mosoeunyane Sehapi, was shot just below the shoulder blade. Sehapi was fortunate to survive. It was not clear who pulled the trigger. No arrests were made.

NEWS of the trouble in the diamond mining sector is ominous enough to spook the government. Officials in the Ministry of Finance’s budget office and the Revenue Services Lesotho should have started pulling out their calculators when they heard that all was not well in the sector.

THE diamond mining sector is in deep trouble. Kao Mine and Liqhobong Mine, two of Lesotho’s four biggest mines, face a serious cash crunch due to low diamond prices. The crisis is so serious that the mines could retrench or shut down to avoid further losses. Kao employs 800 while Liqhobong has 600.