…as they launch Personal Finance Management Programme Moroke Sekoboto THE Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) and the National University of Lesotho (NUL) have intensified efforts to tackle high levels of over-indebtedness among salaried employees through the launch of a Personal Finance Management Programme. Speaking at the launch of the Certificate Programme in Personal Finance Management at Lehakoe Cultural and Recreation Centre this week, CBL Governor, Dr Maluke Letete, described the partnership as a critical milestone in strengthening the country’s financial resilience. Dr Letete said the programme was developed in response to widespread over-indebtedness and low levels of financial literacy among Basotho. He said the bank launched a nationwide financial education campaign in 2022 targeting salaried employees, including government workers, teachers, healthcare practitioners and members of the security sector. While acknowledging progress made through the campaign, Dr Letete said significant gaps remained. “At the centre of this high indebtedness are...

  Kabelo Masoabi THE High Court sitting at Tšifa-li-Mali is hearing the murder trial of three Ha Leutsoa villagers accused of killing a man during a stokvel gathering after he was allegedly accused of adulterating traditional beer with a home-brewed concoction known as mashuthishuthi. Bonang Masiu, Fusi Chitja and Neo Lekoba have all pleaded not guilty to murder. The Crown alleges that the trio acted in concert to fatally assault Monyane Litšoane on 12 March 2021 during a stokvel hosted by one Lekhanya in Ha Leutsoa village, Mokhotlong. Leading evidence for the State, the deceased’s paternal nephew, Sehlooho Litšoane, testified that the incident began when the accused confronted the deceased, accusing him of disrespecting them by “mixing” their communal beer with mashuthishuthi. He told the court that Litšoane was unarmed at the time. According to Sehlooho, the accused assaulted Litšoane with fighting sticks and a sjambok. He said the stokvel...

  …as Beautiful Gate children’s home turns 25 Seithati Motšoeneng HER Majesty Queen ’Masenate Mohato Seeiso has called for collective action to protect and empower children, saying the future of Lesotho depends on how Basotho nurture and invest in the younger generation. Her Majesty made the remarks on Friday during the 25th anniversary celebrations of Beautiful Gate Lesotho, held at Victory Hall in Maseru under the theme, “Invest in a Child, Transform a Nation”. “The future of every nation is determined by how it nurtures, protects, educates and empowers its children,” Queen ‘Masenate said. “When we invest in a child, we are not simply changing one life. We are shaping the future of families, communities and, ultimately, the destiny of an entire nation.” She described Beautiful Gate’s 25-year journey as a legacy of hope, compassion, resilience and transformation, noting that what began as a response to the needs of vulnerable...

  Hopolang Mokhopi SUSPENDED High Court judge, Justice ‘Maseforo Mahase, has launched a fresh legal challenge, now seeking to overturn her continued suspension, arguing that it has become unlawful and unconstitutional because the tribunal investigating her conduct failed to complete its work within the prescribed timeframe. In an application filed before the High Court this week, Justice Mahase contends that her suspension, imposed through Legal Notice No. 152 of 2025 and published on 4 November 2025, automatically lapsed after the expiry of the tribunal’s mandate and in the absence of any lawful extension. She is seeking a declaration that the suspension has lapsed by operation of law and an order directing authorities to reinstate her to the full exercise of her duties as a Judge, with all rights and privileges restored. According to court papers, King Letsie III appointed a three-member tribunal through Legal Notice No. 146 of 2025 to...

  …as four accused police officers are set to know their fate next month Moorosi Tsiane AFTER nearly a decade of twists, delays and explosive testimony, the long-awaited judgment in the murder trial of Police Constable (PC) Mokalekale Khetheng is finally in sight, with four accused police officers set to learn their fate on 4 August 2026. Trial Judge Charles Hungwe announced on Friday that he will deliver judgment on 4 August after both the Crown and the defence concluded their oral submissions, effectively bringing the marathon trial to an end. The judgement will determine whether the four officers are guilty of PC Khetheng’s abduction and murder among others. The four; Former Hlotse Police Station commander Senior Superintendent (SSP) Thabo Tšukulu, Senior Inspector Mothibeli Mofolo, Inspector Mabitle Matona, and Sub-Inspector Haleokoe Taasoane are facing five charges, including the March 2016 murder of PC Khetheng. PC Khetheng was reportedly arrested on...

  Mohloai Mpesi THE African Union (AU) Follow-Up Election Observation Mission has commended the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the progress it has made in implementing recommendations issued after the 2022 National Assembly elections. The five-member delegation visited Lesotho from 30 June to 2 July 2026, meeting government officials, political parties, civil society organisations and the media to assess the extent to which the IEC has acted on recommendations made by the AU Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) following the 7 October 2022 polls. The delegation comprised AU democracy and elections expert Tawanda Chimhini; AU principal officer for the East and Southern Africa Regional Desk Dr Salvator Nkeshimana; and elections experts Karen Ogle, Mmapitsi Raphala and Vera Muring. According to an IEC statement issued on Friday, the AU team commended the commission for the “substantial progress achieved since 2022” and urged it to continue implementing outstanding recommendations through sustained collaboration with...