…as MPs demand statement on journalist’s abduction and assault
Mohloai Mpesi
PRESSURE is mounting on the government to account for the alleged abduction and torture of journalist and human rights activist, Kananelo Boloetse, with Parliament expected to receive a report on the matter next week.
Leader of the Opposition and Democratic Congress (DC) leader, Mathibeli Mokhothu, raised the matter in the National Assembly on Friday as Parliament resumed from its winter recess, demanding that the government brief MPs on the developments surrounding the incident.
Mr Boloetse, editor of Newsday Media and former chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Lesotho, was allegedly abducted from his home in Katlehong, Maseru, on the night of Saturday, 5 September 2026, by three unidentified armed men.
According to reports, the assailants forced their way into his house, restrained and gagged him before bundling him into a vehicle and driving away.
He was allegedly interrogated about his journalism and human rights work, assaulted during the ordeal and later dumped, seriously injured, near Thaba-Bosiu, about 20 to 25 kilometres from Maseru.
His alleged attackers reportedly threatened to kill him if he spoke publicly about the incident.
Mr Boloetse was eventually rescued after regaining consciousness and flagging down a passing motorist.
He is believed to have gone into hiding following the incident and the threat on his life.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Lesotho’s media fraternity and attracted condemnation from local and international rights organisations, including Amnesty International, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), MISA Lesotho and the Media Women Association of Lesotho (MWALes).
The organisations have called for a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into the alleged abduction and assault.
The British High Commission in Maseru also condemned the incident on Friday and urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation.
“The British High Commission Maseru notes with deep concern reports of the abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse.
“We welcome the government of Lesotho’s commitment to promptly and comprehensively investigate the incident. The UK is committed to media freedom and to championing democracy and human rights around the world,” the mission said in a statement.
The mission said journalists played a vital role in public debate and should be able to work safely and without intimidation.
“The UK values its partnership with Lesotho and remains committed to supporting democratic governance, the rule of law and accountable institutions,” it said.
Chief of Police, Advocate Borotho Matsoso, told journalists at a press conference at Police Headquarters in Maseru on Thursday that Mr Boloetse’s absence was hampering police investigations.
Adv Matsoso appealed to Mr Boloetse to come forward and assist investigators, saying this would enable the police to conduct a thorough investigation.
He said Mr Boloetse’s telephone number continued to ring without being answered.
“Ask your (journalist) brother to come forward. We are prepared to protect Boloetse. MISA, you must ask Boloetse to show himself. We cannot resolve this case while he remains in hiding,” Adv Matsoso said.
He also appealed to anyone with information that could assist police in identifying or arresting the alleged perpetrators to come forward.
Addressing Parliament on Friday, Mr Mokhothu said the attack had tarnished Lesotho’s image and warned that such incidents should not be tolerated.
“There is an issue of a journalist called Kananelo Boloetse which has caused an uproar among members of the public. I believe it is important that government makes a statement in this House to explain the details and the steps it has taken in relation to this matter,” Mr Mokhothu said.
“An attack of this nature on a journalist casts a dark cloud on the country — not only in relation to human rights and the rule of law domestically, but also on our standing among international organisations. It must be condemned, and severe action must be taken.
“I believe a strong statement (on the incident) will show how far the government is prepared to go to address this situation,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara, who was present in the National Assembly, pledged that the government would make a statement in the House next week.
“The government is not prepared to release a statement today, but it is important that a statement be made in this House. I want to believe that some Members of Parliament may have seen the press conference held by the police on this matter.
“It is important for the government to update this House on what has been established so far. I give my word that a statement will be made in the House,” she said.
Mr Boloetse’s alleged abduction and torture is the latest in a series of attacks and intimidation targeting journalists and human rights defenders in Lesotho, renewing calls for authorities to guarantee the safety of those reporting on governance and accountability issues.
Section 14 of the Constitution of Lesotho guarantees freedom of expression, a right that rights groups say is undermined when journalists are targeted because of their work.
No arrests had been made by the time of going to press.
Rights organisations have urged the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought before the courts.