…Monokoane accuses Lephema of using security agencies to target him
Mohloai Mpesi
THE Revolution For Prosperity (RFP)’s Peka constituency legislator, Mohopoli Monokoane, has accused the Minister of Local Government, Chieftainship, Home Affairs, and Police, Lebona Lephema, of using security agencies to persecute him.
Mr Lephema, who is the Teyateyaneng’s RFP MP, has been blamed for causing division within the party, allegedly canvassing constituency committees directly to help him recruit people for jobs at the Department of Home Affairs, bypassing fellow MPs.
Mr Monokoane has been vocal about Mr Lephema’s intentions to overthrow Prime Minister Sam Matekane, claiming that Mr Lephema is targeting him and other RFP legislators to gain support in the National Assembly.
Recently, Mr Monokoane released a voice clip warning Mr Matekane about Mr Lephema’s ambition to become the next Prime Minister. According to Mr Monokoane, the national executive committee (NEC) of RFP wants to instil fear in its MPs to control them.
On Thursday, Mr Monokoane exited a WhatsApp group of RFP MPs, stating that his attempts to build unity had failed. “I tried to forge a way for us to build peace, but it seems like a difficult thing. Stay well, ho ea ka makhoro ha se ho lahlana. Goodbye (loosely translated ‘till we meet again’),” his message read.
He further explained to the Sunday Express on Friday that Mr Lephema blamed him for assisting legislators in securing loans from Lesotho Post Bank after the October 2022 general elections.
He said that many MPs faced financial difficulties after spending heavily on campaign activities and needed loans to stabilise their lives.
“I called the Chief Executive Officer of Post Bank (Molefi Leqhaoe) to see if he could help them with loans because the government was not intervening between the bank and MPs. Post Bank understood the matter and helped the MPs with the loans,” Mr Monokoane said.
“After assisting the MPs to get their loans, problems started. Mr Lephema started giving me a bad look and placing frivolous accusations at my doorstep.”
Mr Monokoane claimed that Mr Lephema was using security agencies to unfairly target RFP MPs.
“I showed concern on this matter for a very long time. We have WhatsApp groups of RFP legislators where we discuss matters. I placed this complaint in those groups, but my voice was not heard.
“I am not the only MP being targeted over the issue of helping MPs secure loans. Many MPs are being threatened with various accusations. It is very frustrating in the party. Our executive wants to instil fear in us to control us.”
He mentioned that many party members are dissatisfied with Mr Lephema.
“There are many people in the party who are not satisfied with Ntate Lephema’s actions and his approach to people. Most of the times, we would have caucuses as MPs, and other MPs would advise him to accept that he is burdened and share the load (of the Ministry) with others, but he would refuse,” Mr Monokoane said.
However, Mr Monokoane cut the interview shot saying he was on his way meet the RFP Secretary General and Minister of Communication, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nthati Moorosi, and other unidentified individuals to discuss the concerns and complaints raised by fellow MPs.
Attempts to reach Mr Lephema for comment were unsuccessful as his phone went unanswered.
Also contacted for comment, Ms Moorosi told Sunday Express on Friday that the NEC was working to resolve the issue. She said the committee would address Mr Monokoane’s complaints and concerns, although the date for the meeting has not been set.
“Those matters are being dealt with. They are before the NEC as we speak and are still being addressed. The committee is yet to meet; we are currently communicating through the internet. His complaints and concerns will be addressed,” Ms Moorosi said.