Mohalenyane Phakela

THE government was prejudiced of at least M12 million over three years through the mismanagement of funds earmarked for student bursaries, the latest report of Auditor-General reveals.

The student bursaries are administered by the National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS).

The Loan Bursary Fund for students at tertiary institutions was established in 1978 to “provide a revolving fund from which assistance can be given to Basotho to further their education on a partial repayment basis”.

However, the latest ‘Report of the Auditor-General on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Government of Lesotho’ for the year ending 31 March 2016, notes serious irregularities including inadequate controls and weak management of the fund”.

“The fund regulations require the Director of NMDS to submit the accounts of the fund to the Accountant-General after the close of each financial year or not later than three months thereafter.

“That has not been the case as over the years and the NMDS has neither prepared the financial statements nor prepared any bank reconciliation statements, but rather opted to submit unreconciled balances to the Accountant-General for consolidation to the government financial statements. Non-preparation of financial statements compromises accountability and transparency of the fund,” the Auditor-General’s report states.

As a result of the weak management systems, the Auditor-General notes that more than M12 million was lost through malpractices that included overpayments as well as payments to former students who had already graduated in the three years up to 2013.

In one instance in September 2013, the NMDS paid M20 889 460 to Lerotholi Polytechnic for books and accommodation, but the amounted included an overpayment of M1 879 290 which was for 186 former students who had already completed their studies.

In the same year in July 2013, NMDS made an advance payment of M6 340 708 to Lerotholi Polytechnic for two months living allowances and books.

This amount included an overpayment for 23 students totalling M178 919. 18 of the students were paid M7 953 twice while five were paid M6953 twice.

In 2012/2013, the National University of Lesotho (NUL) made an advance requisition for food, books and rent allowances amounting to M38 037 240 in the first semester for 5561 students.

However, instead of the requested amount, NUL received M38 174 040 resulting in an overpayment of M136 800.

“NMDS paid an advance of M19 287 010 for NUL first year allowances instead of M10 684 080.

“Further investigations reveal that from the overpayment of M8 602 930, M6 619 505 was for two months food allowance instead of M2 499 200 (M1600 each for 1562 students),” the Auditor-General notes.

The report further states that NMDS went on to issue several instruction letters to banks to pay allowances to students from different institutions and it was discovered that 74 of them were paid more than once, resulting into an overpayment of M157 497.50.

The mismanaged funds add up to more than M12 million, the report says.

The report none-the-less indicates that NMDS admitted some of the mistakes and dismissed the responsible officers from the public service.

Legal action was also pursued against the offenders, the report says.

However, the report does not say whether the money was ever recovered.

The issue of student loans has proved to be thorny with students often staging violent strikes to protest late payments of the bursaries and the fact that they are inadequate for their needs.

 Pascalinah Kabi

THE Pakalitha Mosisili-headed former seven parties’ government paid M261 million to Bidvest Bank Limited of South Africa for the controversial vehicle fleet service contract from October 2015 to March 2016, the Auditor General has revealed.

The figure could have been higher as the Auditor-General’s report only captured the payments up to 31 March, 2016- the period which the audit covered.

The then government initially awarded Bidvest a six-month contract to run the government fleet from 1 October 2015 to 31 March 2016 after the expiry of the government’s fleet management contract with Avis.

The government had promised to exclude Bidvest from any new tender to find a new fleet management firm to replace Avis.

However, the government cancelled the tender process, preferring instead to enter a new long-term contract with Bidvest, which had not bid for the tender as earlier agreed in light of its enjoyment of the six month contract.

Then Finance minister Dr ’Mamphono Khaketla had said while announcing the deal in June 2016 that the government would buy 600 vehicles and hire another 600 from ordinary Basotho, with Bidvest only managing the fleet.

She also said the government decided to cancel the tender process because it did not have enough money to continue with the route of hiring vehicles.

However, a joint venture company, Lebelonyane, shortlisted for the tender took the then government to court seeking an order to stop the engagement of Bidvest.

The 48-month contract entered into by the then government stipulated that Bidvest Bank Limited would provide “possession, use and enjoyment of the vehicles for the contract period” with the government only having the option to buy the fleet at the end of its contract.

The arrangement contradicted claims by several ministers that the government was buying 600 of the vehicles for its direct full ownership from the onset with the remainder being leased from Basotho.

However, the Bidvest contract clearly stipulated that the government would not “acquire any ownership rights of any nature whatsoever” of the vehicles despite being registered as “owner”.

The controversial fleet service deal between the government and Bidvest was only terminated in April 2017, thirteen months after the Auditor General urged the government to review its decision on the fleet management services due to exorbitant costs.

The former government awarded Bidvest Bank Limited a six-month contract to run the government fleet from 1 October 2015 to March 2016 after the expiry of the government’s fleet management contract with Avis.

However, a report into the 2016 consolidated financial statements released this week by the office of the Auditor General indicated that government’s decision to award the fleet service management to Bidvest cost the state a fortune.

The report stated that there was a significant increase of 60 percent in costs compared to when the government had a fleet management contract with Avis Fleet Services in 2014/15 and Bidvest Fleet Services in 2015/16.

“During the financial year 2014/15, the government spent a total amount of M164 031 069 and while for the financial year 2015/16, it incurred a total of M261 833 030 resulting in an increase of M97 801 961,” Auditor General, Lucy Liphafa, said in the report.

“Furthermore, this increase calls for government to review its decision on fleet management services.”

Former Police Minister in the previous government and current Deputy Prime Minister, Monyane Moleleki, dropped a bombshell when he announced  that the former government paid M600 million in the last 2016/17 financial year to Bidvest Bank Limited.

Speaking at the rally in Butha-Buthe in April ahead of the June elections, Mr Moleleki said the government further followed this up with another M73 million payment in penalties after prematurely terminating the controversial vehicle fleet service contract it signed with the South African company.

Mr Moleleki said the government also agreed to purchase 159 used-cars from Bidvest for M37 million as part of the termination agreement, with another 124 set to be acquired for M28 million after the premature end of the contract.

The controversial fleet contract was one of the root causes of the split in the Dr Mosisili-led Democratic Congress (DC) in November 2016 and subsequent collapse of government in March 2017.

Mr Moleleki who was deputy leader, left the DC to form the Alliance of Democrats. He cited corruption, including in the Bidvest deal for his decision to ditch the DC.

Pascalinah Kabi     

Four soldiers have been arrested in connection with the near fatal shooting of Lesotho Times editor Lloyd Mutungamiri in July last year in an operation the police say was authorized by the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).

Mr Mutungamiri was shot and critically wounded as he arrived at his Upper Thamae home from work in the late hours of 9 July 2016 in what appeared to be a carefully orchestrated assassination attempt.

His shooting followed a rough week for the Lesotho Times during which its staff, including current Editor Ngoni Muzofa, were summoned for heavy-handed interrogation by police and military officials over reports the newspaper had published about the LDF.

Publisher and chief executive officer, Basildon Peta, was charged with criminal defamation arising from a complaint laid against the newspaper by then LDF commander Tlali  Kamoli.  A week later, Mr Mutungamiri nearly lost his life after one of the bullets shattered his lower jaw, requiring him to undergo specialized facial surgery, among other injuries.

The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) said yesterday that its investigations had revealed that the attempted assassination of Mr Mutungamiri was an operation authorized by the army.

Police Commissioner ,Holomo Molibeli, said the four arrested soldiers were in detention and would appear in court this week to face attempted murder charges.  The four are a colonel, a second lieutenant and two lance corporals. Neither their names nor confessions can be published until they have appeared in court.

Commissioner Molibeli said police investigations had confirmed their suspicions that the shooting had been master-minded by the army.

“When Lloyd was shot, we suspected that it was the LDF and our investigations have proved us right that it was the members of the LDF who plotted the crime.  We now have the suspects in police custody…” Commissioner Molibeli told the Lesotho Times.

He said their original suspicions that the army could have organized the hit stemmed from the “squabble” between the Lesotho Times and the LDF over reports carried in this newspaper about the LDF. The army had expressed their stern unhappiness with the work of this newspaper, he said.

“The army’s dissatisfaction arose from what was said by the Lesotho Times in one of its editions sometime last year after which the LDF complained that they were not satisfied with the way the publication handled their issues.”

“It (the shooting) was thus an operation authorised by the LDF command…..,” said Commissioner Molibeli, adding that progress in investigating the shooting had been stalled because of a clique in the army and police that had been conniving to commit crimes and sweep them under the carpet.

“I sometimes feel sorry for the members of the LDF because most of them didn’t like what was happening…..Some of them were being asked to do things they really did not condone but it seems they just had to act against their consciences”

As the police intensify a crackdown on atrocities committed by soldiers but ignored under the previous regime of Pakalitha Mosisili, Commissioner Molibeli said it was now becoming very easy for LDF members to cooperate with the police and point them in the right directions.   Their leads “never disappoint”, he said.

He said nothing had been done to investigate the shooting of Mr Mutungamiri until his intervention to get things done. Commissioner Molibeli was appointed to head the LMPS after Prime Minister Thomas Thabane won the June 3 2017 elections. He then set out to probe numerous cases of rights abuses perpetrated under the previous regime but which had largely been ignored.

“There were really no investigations into the shooting until recently when I called Ntate Lloyd ……… That is when we started the investigations,” Commissioner Molibeli said.

He said that there were clear indications that police and army officers had been conniving to commit criminal acts and to cover them up.  Police officers assigned to investigate atrocities committed by soldiers would simply sit on the files.  That  explained why no investigations had been done despite an international outcry over the brutal shooting of Mr Mutungamiri.

“This is why we cannot only arrest soldiers but also some of the police officers because there was a lot of conniving around criminality.

“They (police) condoned and formed part of a clique which committed crimes with impunity and I believe that we will still go after many suspects.”

Commissioner Molibeli said while it was the rightful work of the police to prevent crimes like Mr Mutungamiri’s shooting through intelligence sharing, the working environment under the previous regime had proven toxic and volatile to operate within, making it harder to follow on tip-offs and for state security agencies to cooperate on fighting crime.

“I was part of the management (of the police) but I really did not know what was going on because we had a situation where we were working in silos. There were some who would not give information to the others.

“That is why I had initially decided to go home because it was useless to be in the office where I was just like a parcel abandoned there. Some people in the army and the police force were planning all of these (bad) things and it was nasty,” he said.

Mr Mutungamiri was shot shortly after he and former Lesotho Times reporter, Keiso Mohloboli, had been summoned to Mabote Police Station for interrogation by more than a dozen detectives and military officials over a story in which the Lesotho Times had reported about negotiations for an exit strategy for former army commander, Lt-Gen Tlali Kamoli. Ms Mohloboli had been retrieved from a hair saloon.

Lt-Gen Kamoli was also miffed by a satirical parody in the Scrutator column about the former LDF commander’s perceived influence in politics at that time.  Scrutator had joked about a hypothetical “invasion” of a cabinet meeting by Lt-Gen Kamoli to prove his power by “ordering ministers to perform push-ups”. But the former army commander failed to appreciate the spoof and instead instituted criminal defamation charges with him being cited as the main complainant.

Mr Peta is still in court over the criminal defamation charges,  preferred against him in his capacity as publisher and chief executive officer of the company.

Lt-Gen Kamoli was forced to retire on 1 December 2016, in line with a recommendation by the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) whose Mphapi Phumaphi commission of inquiry had recommended his ouster from the command of the LDF as part of a rafter of measures to achieve stability in Lesotho.

Africa Media Holdings (AMH), the publishers of the Lesotho Times, have commended Commissioner Molibeli and the LMPS for their sterling work in bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.

In a statement yesterday the company said: “We express our sincere thanks to Commissioner Molibeli and his entire team at the LMPS for their sterling work in bringing the culprits of this evil act to book. We hope the law will take its course and those behind the attempted killing of Mr Mutungamiri will face the full might of the law”.

“Mr Mutungamiri’s professional life and health were permanently damaged by people who believe in brutal violence to settle differences. Such characters should have no place in any civilized society.”

…eight soldiers arrested, charged with former army commander’s murder 

Tsitsi Matope

EIGHT soldiers appeared in court yesterday over the June 2015 killing of former army commander, Lieutenant General Maaparankoe Mahao, in a major breakthrough over a case that plunged the Lesotho into crisis and prompted a spirited regional intervention effort.

Lt-Gen Mahao was ambushed and shot by his peers from the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) near his farm in Mokema on 25 June 2015.

His widely condemned killing kick-started a chain of events that resulted in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) establishing a commission of inquiry to probe the murder and the instability in Lesotho.

The LDF claimed that Lt-Gen Mahao had been shot while resisting arrest over an alleged mutiny plot.  However, the army’s version was dismissed as a hoax by both the soldier’s family and the SADC commission of inquiry headed by retired judge Mphaphi Phumaphi.   Lt-Gen Mahao’s family accused the army of killing him in cold blood, based on the account s of his nephews who were with him during the incident.

Justice Phumaphi’s 10-member commission carried out its investigations between 31 August and 23 October 2015 and recommended, among other things, that government should investigate the killing and prosecute those found to be responsible.

However, the former coalition of Pakalitha Mosisili did nothing to probe the murder and other atrocities perpetrated by the LDF during its reign.

Even after Dr Mosisili announced in June 2016 that an investigation into the killing was underway, nothing tangible emerged prompting the   Mahao family to accuse the former coalition of deliberately stalling the probe.

After Dr Mosisili’s ouster and replacement by Thomas Thabane in the wake of the 3 June 2017 snap elections,  the new coalition government vowed to leave no stone unturned in investigating and prosecuting those behind egregious crimes like Lt-Gen Mahao’s killing as well as the attempted murder of Lesotho Times editor Lloyd Mutungamiri, among other atrocities.

In an interview with the Lesotho Times last night, Police Commissioner, Holomo Molibeli, said the police had finally made a breakthrough and all the eight suspects arrested this week had appeared in the Maseru Magistrates Court on murder charges.

Commissioner Molibeli said it was likely that more suspects would be arrested and charged as police investigations continue.

“We have suspects who have appeared in court on Wednesday (yesterday). The possibility of making other arrests is high. We are expecting some soldiers who are already in custody on other charges to also answer to charges of Lt- Gen Mahao’s killing,” Commissioner Molibeli said.

The suspects who have so far appeared at the Maseru Magistrates Court were only identified by their ranks and surnames. They are Captain Makara, Captain Nyakane, Sergeant Moepi, Sergeant Fako, Corporal ‘Moleli, Corporal Seitlheko, Lance Corporal Ramoholi and Lance Corporal Machai.

They were all remanded in custody and advised to apply to the High Court for bail.

Commissioner Molibeli said investigations had revealed the eight were part of an operation that resulted in the death of Lt-Gen Mahao.

He said the breakthrough was achieved after months of resistance and lack of cooperation from the LDF.

“Police had before experienced some resistance to the extent that even SADC experts, sent to assist in the investigations, were not allowed access to the vehicles used in the deadly operation.

“I believe this case could have been investigated and finalised in court if there was political will at the time when he (Lt-Gen Mahao) was killed,” Commissioner Molibeli said.

He further explained that Lt- Gen Mahao’s belongings, which the LDF had refused to release for some very “strange reasons”, would finally be handed over to his family.

“His belongings were brought to us by the LDF personnel but we could not accept them in the absence of the family. We will finalise arrangements with the Mahao family for a proper handover.

“As the police, we could not understand the logic in refusing to hand over personal belongings because those items had nothing to do with investigations. It is strange that now it has become very easy for the LDF to hand them over yet they had been refusing before,” Commissioner Molibeli said.

Limpho Sello

Lesotho Flour Mills recently donated 10 desktop computers worth M70 000 to Amitof Care Centre in Mafeteng as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility Programme.

Amitof Care Centre is a Chinese organisation that was founded by the Buddhist clergy with a mission to provide education and care for orphans and vulnerable children.

The institution started operating in Lesotho in 2009 and currently the centre cares for over 300 children. Some of them are learners at Yaun Tong Primary School.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Lesotho Flour Mills Managing Director, Ron Mills said the donation is a demonstration of how his organization regards the importance of educating the children in Lesotho, particularly in ensuring that they are computer literate.

“Children are our future and it is crucial that we help to equip the schools with the tools they need to enhance the quality of learning. We realized there was need for modern technology here and hope these computers will be able to assist the children to brighten their future. It makes us feel good that you will find this gift useful in advancing the quality of education,” Mr Mills said.

For his part, the Principal of Yaun Tong Primary School Principal, Lisemelo Phatṧoane said before the donation the students were sharing a few computers at the school, which was not a healthy learning process.

“Some students were finding it difficult to grasp what they were being taught because of the shortage of computers. They could therefore not learn much in their computer classes. This assistance came at the right time and these computers will help us to close the gap,” Ms Phatṧoane said.

She said following the computer assistance, the school will fully implement its computer literacy programme and employ computer literate teachers to support the initiative.

Lijeng Ranooe 

THE First National Bank of Lesotho (FNBL) on Tuesday launched its first funeral plan called Bokamoso, which will provide cover for people up to the age of 85 years.

This first of a kind bancassurance funeral cover was launched at FNBL headquarters and services will be provided in all branches countrywide.

Speaking at the launch, the FNBL Head of Insurance, Kefuoe Ramokhele said the Bokamoso Funeral Plan is exclusively for the bank clients and can cover up to 16 people on one plan. To qualify for this plan, he said, clients must be between the ages of 18 and 65 and can pay up to M152 000.

“As FNB we have a slogan that says, ‘How can we help you’ as we always think of our clients and how we can make their lives better and financially comfortable,” Mr Ramokhele said.

This product has been tailor-made specifically for our clients to be protected when death occurs. Death is a fact of life because it affects everyone but unfortunately, in most cases money is not readily available when it happens.

“Although, it is only for our FNBL clients, everyone who decides to open an account with our bank will automatically qualify for the funeral plan,” He further explained for clients to get cash back after five years, they are required to diligently pay their premiums every month, which starts from M37.”

“A single plan can cover 16 people including the client, their spouse, six children, four parents, in-laws and four extended family members not older than 85 years. You can get minimum cover of M10, 000. We are very excited about this plan.”

Mr Ramokhele also said the cover comes with the benefit of clients getting their premiums back after every five years as well as a family care benefit of 12,000 paid upon the death of the main member.

“The cash back will come with the option of either taking cash or investing it with FNBL. The family care benefit is designed to take care of those that are left behind. The waiting period is three months and six months for family members and extended family,” Mr Ramokhele said.

“There is also an accidental death benefit, where our clients can receive double their full cover with the main member getting an additional M12 000. In such cases, there is no waiting period even for our clients who would have just joined the plan.”

FORTY-TWO-YEAR-OLD Bataung Thulo proved that it was never too late to study after he recently graduated with a Diploma in Commercial Management at the Maseru Business Academy.

Thulo was among 20 students who were conferred with Diploma certificates in courses that included Human Resource Development, Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations, Finance and Accounting, Hospitality Management, and Marketing Management.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mr Thulo said, while going back to school at the age of 40 was not an easy decision to make, he was happy to be an inspiration to his age mates who may be shying away from pursuing their dreams because of their age.

“I believe learning is a lifetime exercise and would like to encourage all people who gave up studying because they felt they are too old, to have the courage and continue developing themselves academically. With dedication and perseverance, they can still realise their dreams even in their 50s,” Mr Thulo said, adding people do not study only to be employed but can study to acquire skills that would enable them to start their own businesses.

He said together with his fellow students, most of them much younger than him, worked very hard through their two-year journey of skills development.

“This is just a step closer to our dream. I urge my fellow graduates to be like eagles and strive to achieve their goals. Do not let anyone tell you that it is impossible.”

Maseru Business Academy director, Iyke Monyeh said when Thulo came to register, he thought he was processing his child’s application. “Throughout the two year-study I was humbled by his determination, hence the academy’s decision to recognise him with the Best Character Award,” Mr Monyeh said.

Addressing the graduates, Monyeh said they should strive to be entrepreneurs rather than focusing on seeking employment.

“I have no doubt that you will excel wherever you are deployed as this academy has a reputation of producing graduates with top management skills with many already exceling in various companies. However, I do not encourage you to run around cities dropping your profiles in various companies but encourage you to use the skills you acquired to start your own businesses and contribute towards creating employment and development of the economy,” he said.

Among the guests who attended the ceremony was the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) of Lesotho, which showcased an electrifying dance performance and a harmonious violin ensemble.

IYF Country Director, Johan Hong said the graduates should not be like the Koi fish, which allows its surroundings to limit the quality of its life.

“When in a tank, the Koi fish grows only up to seven centimetres and maintains the size till it dies, when in a pond, it grows to about 25cm but in a dam, it reaches the size of 125cm. When a person is like a Koi fish, no matter how hard he or she works, if the brain is limited they will never grow or succeed,” Mr Hong said, adding, most people do not go far in life because they have conditioned themselves that they will not make it for reasons including lack of money and no friends in high places.

He gave an example of South Korea saying, 40 years ago, it was among the poorest countries but today, its economy has grown tremendously.

Although South Korea ranks among the top three exporters of coffee, the country cannot grow even a single coffee tree. “This is because the country did not allow its negative circumstances to stand in the way of her dreams. Instead, South Korea chose to channel her mindset and energy towards the fact that she can still achieve everything she aspired to achieve despite what the environment dictated.”

Bereng Mpaki

THE Private Sector Foundation of Lesotho (PSFL) says it has concluded business deals with Indian companies in the areas of healthcare, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

It has however, called on the Government of Lesotho to urgently avail trade information, saying failure to do so was militating against efforts to attract foreign direct investment into the country.

The PSFL which recently took part in the 9th edition of the ‘I for Afrika 2017’ initiative in India from the 13 to 15 November 2017, said the Indian business community was interested in investing in Lesotho’s pharmaceutical sector but had so far been unable to access relevant information on the sector.

‘I for Afrika’ was established in 1985 as a platform for the promotion, development and extension commerce, trade, and industrial links between India and African countries.

The platform does this by offering guidelines and useful trade tips, assisting and identifying African counterparts, assisting in making feasibility studies, project finance and transfer of technology among other things.

Speaking to the Lesotho Times upon his return from India, PSFL Chief Executive Officer, Thabo Qhesi, said a delegation of Indian companies was set to visit Lesotho next year with the purpose to establish business links with their Lesotho counterparts.

Mr Qhesi also revealed they had concluded some business deals with their Indian counterparts in the areas of healthcare, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

He further explained a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed with Indian investors for the establishment of a hospital in Lesotho and advised the local business community to start preparing to collaborate with the latter.

Mr Qhesi also called on government to address issues of lack of access to sufficient business information.

“One challenge which has been raised by the Indian business community is lack of access to information about Lesotho on trade-related matters,” Mr Qhesi said.

“I can cite a typical example on the pharmaceutical sector especially when they want to know the requirements for establishing a pharmaceutical business in Lesotho. Such information was not available online.

“As the PSFL, we humbly request the Ministry of Health to avail information required in a user-friendly manner to enable setting up of pharmaceutical businesses in Lesotho and for transparency and predictability.”

He said there should be a common gateway through which all trade information on Lesotho can be easily accessed, especially by foreign investors not based in Lesotho.

Although the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC)’s role is to promote investment, its effectiveness has been questioned in the recent years.

This is also the case with the Lesotho Trade Portal, an online platform that was supported by the World Bank to provide a one stop point for all information on import and export matters in Lesotho.

When contacted for comment, the Information Officer at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Liahelo Nkaota, said foreign investors should approach the relevant ministries for additional information on areas of interest.

Bereng Mpaki              

LESOTHO’s economy displayed a positive performance in the third quarter of 2017 which was driven by increased output from the mining subsector, the Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) has revealed.

The CBL however, said there was a decline in the manufacturing sector during the same period.

The first deputy governor for the CBL, Masilo Makhetha, this week made the revelations during a media briefing after the apex bank’s Monetary Policy Committee met in Maseru on Tuesday.

The committee analyses global, regional, domestic economic trends and the financial market conditions to determine monetary targets adequate to ensure the country’s macro-economic stability.

“The domestic economy displayed a positive performance during the third quarter of 2017 which was driven by increased output from the mining subsector,” Dr Makhetha said.

“However, the secondary sector’s performance showed mixed signals, with declines observed in manufacturing and water sub-sectors while there were improvements in the electricity and construction sub-sectors. Growth in the tertiary sector was estimated to have slowed -down during the period.”

He further indicated that government deficit increased from 1.6 percent in the second quarter to 7.1 percent of GDP in the third quarter of 2017.

Last week the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it was concerned by Lesotho’s huge budget deficit.

Generally, an acceptable level of deficit is around 6 percent or below, while anything approaching 10 percent or more is considered large.

“After two consecutive years of fiscal deficits exceeding 6 percent of GDP, financed by drawing down government deposits at the central bank, these buffers have been dwindling. The fiscal situation has been compounded by shortfalls of domestic revenues,” the IMF said in a statement last week.

A budget deficit can cause the government to increase its reliance on borrowing from foreign sources. As this happens, future budgets can place more emphasis on loan repayments and less emphasis on savings and investment. This chain reaction, called the crowding-out effect, can eventually lead to a situation where the government allocates less money to investments, such as public education, health, agriculture and infrastructure development, placing more of a burden on state, county and local governments.

Dr Makhetha said the dangerous trend seems to be continuing.

“Government budgetary operations were estimated to have registered a deficit equivalent to 7.1 percent of GDP in the third quarter of 2017, in contrast to a 1.6 percent recorded in June. This was largely driven by payments of expenses related to general elections held in June, coupled with infrastructure related expenses, and domestic interest payments.”

He further showed the current account deficit narrowed down to 3.1 percent from 7.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product in the period under review.

“The external sector position improved during the period under review. The current account deficit narrowed to 3.1 percent of GDP in the third quarter from a revised 7.9 percent of GDP witness in the second quarter,” Dr Makhetha said.

He explained the improvement in the current account was largely due to an increase in exports during the quarter although a slowdown in the primary and secondary income offset the smaller current account deficit and slightly reduced the official reserves from 4.4 months of import cover released in June, to 4.3 months in September 2017.

On the outlook, he said economic growth was expected to recover over the period 2017- 2019, largely supported by moderate growth in the services sector and a rebound in the primary sector. Both the mining and construction industries are expected to drive the growth.

“The year on year consumer inflation rate was registered at 5.4 percent in October 2017. This compares with 5.6 percent recorded in September 2017. The deceleration in overall inflation follows the observed trend across the Southern African region.”

He further said money supply had increased by 8.5 percent in September 2017 compared to an increase in 0.7 in June 2017.

“The rise in money was due to a 13.3 percent surge in domestic claims, coupled with a 4.2 percent increase in net foreign assets. Credit to private sector grew by 3.8 percent during the third quarter of 2017 compared to a lower 1.3 percent recorded in the second quarter. This follows an improvement in credit extended to households that offset a fall in credit to business enterprises.”

Meanwhile, the central bank has increased the target floor of Net International Reserves (NIR) from US$700 million to US$745 million to cushion the economy against possible shocks.

It has however, maintained the central bank rate at 6.75 percent. Dr Makhetha said the two decisions were made based on the global trends reflecting positive growth in developed and emerging market economies, adding these were likely to consolidate strengthening of the domestic economy.

Bereng Mpaki

NEDBANK Lesotho wants to turn its clients into investors by offering them shares in the financial services provider.

This was revealed by Nedbank’s board chairperson Matjato Moteane during a gala dinner in Maseru last week to celebrate the financial institution’s 20^th anniversary of operating in the country.

Nedbank Lesotho Limited is a subsidiary of the Nedbank Group, a South African banking group that is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Mr Moteane said the bank’s management was committed to ensuring that Basotho did not just remain as clients but became shareholders.

“Basotho should not just be depositors but shareholders. That is what we are committed to going forward,” he said.

Mr Moteane, who started off as a client and later became a board member before being appointed its chairperson, further indicated that the bank needed to increase its reach to serve more people in Lesotho.

Currently, the bank has 10 branches, with three in Maseru and one each in Berea, Mafeteng, Mohale’s Hoek, Maputsoe, Hlotse, Butha-Buthe and Roma. It also has 31 ATMs across the country.

“We also want to see the bank having a bigger customer reach, although this may be possible through usage of digital platforms. That is a vision we have for this bank going forward,” he said.

Reflecting on the bank’s 20-year journey, Chief Executive Officer PJ Bouwer said they had done well to become the second largest financial institution in terms of assets in the country.

The bank, he said, had also developed a reputation of pioneering innovations in the local banking sector.

Some of the pioneering products and services include internet banking, a fully managed local credit card, and certified fully mobile point-of-sale solution designed for businesses.

Nedbank Lesotho is the first and still only bank to offer Cash Online solution for corporate clients and the first bank to introduce Sunday opening times at the Pioneer Mall branch.

Added to that, the bank financed Lesotho’s first major shopping centre, Pioneer Mall, and was the first corporate sponsor of the first local golf tournament in Lesotho, the Nedbank Mohokare Golf Classic.

Long-time client, Mohlabi Tsekoa, urged the bank to continue offering clients the high quality services it provides.

“I implore this bank to continue with the good work for the last two decades of providing an efficient banking system in Lesotho,” he said, adding that they should extend their footprint in Mokhotlong.

“There is a booming wool and mohair industry in Mokhotlong, and diamond mining is taking place along with the construction of the Polihali Dam.

“I would like to see Nedbank present there too, to ensure it is not just a Maseru bank but for the entire country,” Mr Tsekoa added.

Lijeng Ranooe and Mamohlakola Letuka

STANDARD Lesotho Bank (SBL) recently opened its new Prestige Banking Suite at Pioneer Mall in Maseru which will give clients improved, “differentiated services with superior turnaround times”.

Standard Bank management said in a statement that the new banking suite had wider offices that offered clients more privacy and the right ambience as they conducted various transactions.

Some of the improved services offered at the facility include a Gold Current Account, pre-approved overdraft facilities up to two times the client’s net monthly income, offshore banking, home loan at Gold interest rates, personal loans up to a maximum of M400 000 and interest on current account balances greater than M5000.

SBL Head of Personal and Business Banking, Selloane Tsike, also addressed clients at the Prestige Banking Suite, saying the launch was in response to their pleas for improved services.

“We did this because in response to the voices of our clients; we heard you, we thought if we are existing for our clients we better respond and respond well,” Ms Tsike said.

“This is a milestone because it is about the new name of ‘prestige banking’, which was previously known as ‘elite banking’ as well as the new offerings. This is about hearing what you want and how we can serve you”.

For his part, SBL Manger Prestige Banking, Leeto Seitlheko said they were moving forward by making banking more affordable and adding value.

“In SBL’s ongoing initiatives to give you better service and reduce the cost of banking, we are proud to bring you our new Prestige Banking.”

“Prestige Banking is for customers and new account holders in what was previously called the Gold Current Account offering.” Mr Seitlheko said.

He also explained that customers would have access to a personalised service through personal private banker as well as access to the following services: reduced management fee, free debit card and cheque book (on the first issuing), improved cash management through pre-approved overdrafts.

“Our clients will also have access to Investment products, Unsecured personal loans, Vehicle and Asset finance (VAF), Access to our home loans offerings including building, purchasing and home improvement” Mr Setihkeo said.

Meanwhile, SBL also unveiled reviewed private banking offerings for their clients at their offices in Maseru.

The new services include platinum debit account comes with a cheque book, Platinum Credit and Debit cards which have chip and pin and gives access to funds at any time, worldwide, through ATMs, Internet and mobile banking.

The facility also comes with an unsecured loans for personal loans to credit cards, overdraft.

Clients will also have access to same day cross border payments to South Africa, Swaziland and Namibia.

In addition, clients will now have access to the new Instant Money facility which SBL described as “a cardless, person-to-person money remittance product for the purpose of sending someone money by their cell phone number from your bank account through a variety of the Bank’s channels (starting with eBanking and Mobile banking)”.

“It allows the recipient of Instant money to redeem the funds without the need for a bank account or bank card at any Standard Lesotho Bank ATM,” SBL said in a statement.

“Instant Money can only be redeemed in cash and allows the sender to send money anytime and from anywhere, even from the comfort and safety of their own home. The sender will have a maximum transaction value limit per day that he/she can send from a mobile bank.”

Head private banking, Lucy Mohapi said they also offered insurance products in private banking such as motor and vehicle insurance as well as life cover such as Matseliso funeral plan, personal loan protection, home loan protection and credit loan protection.

Bereng Mpaki

THE Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offenses (DCEO) has an opportunity to intensify its fight against corruption given that the government increased its budgetary allocation for the agency.

According to DCEO Director-General, Borotho Matsoso, the declaration of assets by some cabinet ministers was another notable measure in efforts to stem corruption.

Mr Matsoso said this while addressing an annual anti-corruption symposium held in Maseru by the DCEO with two other law enforcement agencies, namely Lesotho Mounted Police Service and Lesotho Revenue Authority.

The symposium was held with the financial support of the United Nations Development Programme, and attended by former head of Kenya’s anti-corruption agency, Professor Patrick Lumumba.

Mr Matsoso said the government increased the DCEO’s budgetary allocation for the 2017/18 financial year by nearly 40 percent to ensure it had “more teeth”.

He stated that the DCEO and other law enforcement agencies had an opportunity to intensify their fight against corruption because of the government’s initiatives.

“This symposium is a good window of opportunity to seriously commit to fighting corruption because the present government has not only shown, but it has undertaken some positive measures against corruption, more so because anti-corruption has been their trump-card while campaigning for election into office,” the DCEO boss said.

“You are all aware that the budget allocation for fighting corruption and other forms of crime has been increased quite significantly, with government still committing to do more, thus increasing the capacity of the law enforcement agency to deliver on their mandate to enforce the law against corruption and crime in general, including tax evasion.”

Mr Matsoso said a number of ministers had declared their assets, adding that he expected the rest to follow suit.

“We will all remember that it has taken us well over 10 years as a country to implement this statutory requirement (of ministers declaring assets) since the law was passed by Parliament in 2006.

“This move has gone a long way in giving our people greater confidence in government’s commitment to prevent and combat corruption, not to mention appreciation from the international community that Lesotho is going in the right direction.”

He continued: “It is such efforts, that we strongly feel need the support of all the people for the good of the country. Let us seize this opportunity, therefore, as the 2017 Anti-Corruption Symposium, to define, as objectively as possible, what specific anti-corruption measures we are going to commit to.

“The idea is not so much to dictate to the terms to anybody but for us to say as business, civil society, as the judiciary, as the legislature. And as the public sector, what specific role are we going to play in the fight against corruption.”

He indicated that the political instability of the past few years had created a fertile breeding ground for corruption to thrive. Corruption, noted Mr Matsoso, remained the country’s main obstacle to development, peace and security.

“Most sadly, this instability has not gone alone but it has cost the country lives including those of two army commanders. The same instability has seen some leaders flee the country.

“For SADC (Southern African Development Community) to have had to intervene, even militarily, in our national affairs, it is a clear indication of how serious our political conflict has become.

“Unfortunately, it is in situations of internal conflict and political instability where corruption increases its prevalence since the rule of law gets compromised. Clearly without the rule of law, all other principles of good governance get lost thus depriving the country of development, peace and security.”

For his part, Public Service Minister Thesele ‘Maseribane said the government was also addressing the challenge of ghost workers in the civil service.

He said the government was “embarrassed” by the ongoing corruption in the public procurement system.

“Apparently, our public service has contributed a lot in painting this bleak picture as observed by the Afrobarometer survey on institutional standing. Police, business executives, government officials and tax officials top the list of the most corrupt sectors of society in Africa,” Chief ‘Maseribane said.

“Surely, this situation cannot be allowed to prevail unabated. This is why my ministry is all out to effectively address the ghost worker probe within the public service, among others.”

He added: “But we are extremely embarrassed by the public procurement corruption mainly because since it involves thousands, and millions of Maloti. This is why government is doing its best to capacitate the DCEO as the main anti-corruption agency of the country.”

Bereng Mpaki

NEWLY-APPOINTED Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) Chief Executive Officer, Mohato Seleke, has his work cut out in completing the restructuring of the parastatal to increase its efficiency.

This is the view of industry players in light of last week’s announcement of Mr Seleke’s appointment to the helm of the trade promotion agency.

The LNDC has confirmed the development to this publication, but did not elaborate further, stating that a press statement with more details was being prepared.

According to the LinkedIn profile of Mr Seleke, who is in his early forties, he completed a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of the Free State Business School in 2013. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics obtained from the National University of Lesotho in 2000.

Mr Seleke is the founder and former chief executive officer of Mountain Farms, a chicken production enterprise that folded within two years of its establishment in 2013.

He was also an executive director at Datacom Internet Solutions from 2005 – 2012 as well as executive director at Motech Computers from 2002 – 2005.

He has worked as Enterprise Technical Adviser at CARE in South Africa on the commercialisation of agricultural enterprises around extractive industries in 2014.

Industry players who spoke to the Lesotho Times this week said the appointment of the relatively young Mr Seleke to the helm of the LNDC was a positive development, since it was previously the preserve of much older people.

The LNDC is mandated with the implementation of the country’s industrial development policy. It is also charged with promoting Lesotho as an attractive investment location and destination for both foreign and indigenous investors.

Wholly-owned by the government of Lesotho, the LNDC falls under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, which is responsible for providing overall policy direction on industrialisation.

The corporation is currently in the process of splitting into three units that will focus on investment promotion, property management and development finance in order to increase focus and performance.

Private Sector Foundation of Lesotho (PSFL) Chief Executive Officer Thabo Qhesi told this publication they supported Mr Seleke’s appointment.

“We trust the judgement of the LNDC board in his appointment, and we believe they have appointed someone competent enough to take the aspirations of the institution forward,” he said.

“We fully support the new CEO, and we will be expecting to see implementation of the restructuring exercise the LNDC is undergoing.”

The restructuring process, Mr Qhesi said, should revitalise the LNDC in fulfilling its industrialisation mandate since it had only been successful in the textiles sector.

On the appointment of a relatively young LNDC boss, he said: “We have seen how the older and more experienced people have been failing this country for many years in the past. I think it is only fair to give young blood an opportunity to showcase what they can do leading our country.”

For his part, Majalefa Development Movement chairperson Ramahoana Matlosa who is a peer of Mr Seleke, also welcomed the appointment, saying he has what it takes to lead the corporation.

“I wish to congratulate him on his appointment as CEO of LNDC. I have always advocated for the young generation to be given a chance. He is young, talented, smart, innovative, enthusiastic and brave. That’s all the qualities we need in that position,” Mr Matlosa said.

“He truly has what it takes to lead that organisation. His only challenge is that some people will expect him to bring immediate results and they will be very impatient with him. If he is not careful that could cost him. “He shouldn’t be in a hurry for quick results; he should patiently work on building the right system and strategies that would bring industrial boom and yield results in a long term.”

Mr Matlosa added: “He must work with people. There is an old African proverb that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.  Great things are achieved through people.’”

However, a businessman who requested anonymity in fear of reprisals, said the appointment was politically-motivated. He claimed that Mr Seleke was an “active politician” who uses his IT skills to further his political agenda.

The businessman also asserted that the LNDC’s top post required a specialist in the field of investment promotion or at least investment finance.

“With all due respect, Mr Seleke has no relevant experience to run an organisation of such a magnitude. And what has he achieved that makes us believe he will drive the LNDC forward?” he added.

Mr Seleke was no reachable at the time of going to press.

Mikia Kalati

THE football and entire sports fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the untimely death of legendary striker and Coach, Motlatsi Shale, who passed on last Thursday after a short illness.

The former Likuena striker was a giant in stature and as far as his football career was concerned.

Shale had a colorful career which included a stint in the South African premier league with Bloemfontein Celtic and with local giants such as Liphakoe, Majantja, Matlama, LCS as well as the all-conquering Likhopo side of the early 2000s.

His finest moment came as part of the Likuena side which went all the way to the COSAFA Cup final in 2000.

Upon retiring, he tried his hand at coaching and learnt from the best including the late Likhopo owner and coach Bishop Molatoli.

Even during his early days at Likhopo, the signs were there that he was destined for greater things as a gaffer and he finally Shale finally fulfilled his potential by leading Bantu to their first ever league title in their 87^th year of existence during the 2013/14 season. They also won several trophies under his tutelage such as the Independence Top 4.

Off the field, I have had a few encounters with Shale over a drink and he came across as an affable and unassuming character.

He was also an honest character who never hesitated to call it as he saw it. He sometimes courted controversy by criticising his colleagues on national radio especially those that coached the national team when it was not doing well.

At the time of his death, Shale was in charge of Majantja, a team that has just returned to top flight football after years in the lower divisions.

The Mohale’s Hoek based outfit have been stable so far despite expectations in many quarters that they would struggle.

It is a credit to Shale’s coaching abilities they did not have the fear factor and stunned a number of teams this season.

For someone who was only 41, there is no doubt that Shale went too soon at a time when we still expected much more from him.

I visited him in hospital two days before he passed on and it was clear that he was in pain. I never imagined the worst and I was hopeful that the warrior in him would enable him to pull through.

The football fraternity has been robbed one of its favourite sons, but his legacy lives on.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, Majantja and the football fraternity, on my own behalf and that of the Lesotho Times and Sunday Express newspapers.

In another development, I want to congratulate Lebenya Nkoka and Mamoroallo Tjoka for winning the male and female categories respectively of the High Altitude Summer Marathon in Mokhotlong on Saturday.

The duo each received M100 000 in prize money.

The story of Tjoka should inspire young athletes to never give up.

She could have easily given up after being handed a two year ban for the use of illegal substances but she has been unstoppable since returning to the sport.

LAST Sunday, telecommunications giant, Econet, organized the EcoSure fun walk day.

The purpose of the walk as expounded by EcoSure Manager, Mabasia Khongoanyana, was to encourage the community to live a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity combined with good diet can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce risk of chronic diseases and most importantly promote your overall health.

Ms Khongoanyana said that the “EcoSure Fun Walk” aims to become a platform that create partnerships with customers, families and the community with the goal of promoting health and wellness in the society.

“Our sponsorship of the ‘EcoSure Fun Walk’ underscores EcoSure’s passion in taking the lead to create meaningful engagement for customers and other stakeholders. The theme “EcoSure Fun walk” describes how far as Econet we are willing to go to demonstrate and encourage healthy lifestyle. Beyond our products, we realise that we live in communities where we can do more to impact positive change and move lives forward,” she said.

She said the EcoSure aims to grow the walk into a leading, authentic endurance signature event on the fun walk calendar in Lesotho to be subscribed annually by any interested individuals and groups.

“We hope that the race will grow into something more than just a race but a platform to take stock of our health and also raise awareness to society’s most pressing needs that may require the attention and support of all stakeholders, financially, materially and morally,” she said.

Ms Khongoanyana said that the “EcoSure Fun walk” has been designed to plug into a routine sport that Basotho and other nations have fallen in love with in recent times–jogging, and fitness walks. She said EcoSure would like to elevate these exercises to become meaningful events that translate positively for society at large.

Mikia Kalati

THE national under-20 Makoanyane XI squad that is currently in Zambia for the regional COSAFA Cup are confident of doing well despite shambolic preparations which saw them lose their friendlies against Swaziland and South Africa.

Makoanyane, who under the guidance of Leslie Notši and his assistant, Bob Mafoso, had chaotic preparations due to the non-availability of some of the players who were in action with their premier league clubs.

They were hammered 5-0 by their South African counterparts.

There were also reports this week that the team had no playing kit to use in Zambia while players had no soccer boots and had to utilise those that they have from their respective clubs.

This publication was told that when they left for Zambia on Monday, it had been arranged for them to use a kit that has been used by the senior national team in recent games including soccer boots.

Speaking with the Lesotho Times shortly before departing to Zambia, Makoanyane head of delegation, Tšeliso Ramatla, said the matter had been resolved and all was in place for the team to compete.

“Everything is in place and all the players left with the team,” Ramatla said, adding, “The kit issue have also been resolved”.

“The camp is fine and the spirit is very high. We did things that we felt would motivate the players.

“We expect to play well based on preparations we had. It was a bit of a challenge to assemble the team but I think we are now on the right track.

“We believe they will do well and get the exposure that will help them grow,” he said.

Lesotho is in Group C alongside Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The squad is dominated by Matlama who have four players in goalkeeper, Monaheng Ramalefane, defenders John Mohai and Rethabile Mokokoane and winger, Moteloa Khemisi.

LMPS forward, Roboama Koloti, is the most experienced player as he has also played for Likuena.

Makoanyane XI begin their campaign with a match against Zimbabwe today.

They play Namibia on Sunday and complete their group stage with a tie against Angola next Tuesday.

Group winners automatically qualify for the knockout stages and they will be joined by the best runner up from the three groups.

Lesotho’s best performance was in 2005 when they reached the final which they lost to Madagascar.

That team was coached by Seephephe Matete and Lehlohonolo Thotanyana and it boasted the likes of Ralekoti Mokhahlane, Bokang Mothoana, Sello ‘Muso, Tlali Maile and Tefo Maipato.

Makoanyane XI squad

Goalkeepers: Monaheng Ramalefane (Matlama) and Kopano Silas (LCS).

Defenders: Seeiso Lerotholi (Likhopo), Rethabile Mokokoane (Matlama), Liteboho Nkune (Majantja), Itumeleng Leche (Lioli), John Mohai (Matlama), Tanki Seoli (Sefotha-fotha).

Midfielders: Relebohile Mabone (midfielder), Batlang Mokhele (Lioli), Mokoteli Mohapi (midfielder), Moteloa Khemisi (Matlama), Kekeletso Tlhaba, Lehlohonolo Masienyane (Lerotholi Polytechnic)

Strikers: Thaane Mokoena (Likhopo), Tšeliso Botsane (Sefotha-fotha), Roboama Koloti (LMPS), Katleho Makateng (Litšilo), Bonang Mohapi (Kick4Life).

Mikia Kalati

LCS striker Mark Tahayim has been invited for trials by South African Premier League champions Bidvest Wits, the correctional service side’s coach, Mpitsa Marai has revealed.

“The player has been invited for trials at Bidvest Wits and the matter is being discussed by our management,” Marai said this week.

Tahayim is in his second season with Masheshena and sources close to him told this publication that his agent based in Cape Town, South Africa facilitated the trials for the Ghanaian striker.

Wits edged Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 to win the Telkom Knockout competition on Saturday and their coach Gavin Hunt is known to admirer of big strikers in the mould of the Tahayim.

However, the source said the striker is currently injured and this could delay could make it very difficult for him to attend the trials.

“He is expected to be at Wits on Saturday but he has been out nursing an injury which could scupper his chances of making it.

“I suspect the player has had trials with a number of South African teams that is why he has also been invited for the trials at Wits,” the source said.

Tahayim has proved himself as a regular goals scorer since joining LCS. He was the first to score a brace this season and this came in the match against Sandawana.

However, it will no longer count after the Butha-Buthe outfit was expelled from the league after its players staged boycotts which led to the failure to fulfil some fixtures. All the points won or conceded in matches against Sandawana were subsequently nullified by the Premier League Management Committee.

Mikia Kalati

BANTU outgunned Matlama 4-2 in a thrilling Econet Premier League at Maputsoe DIFA Ground on Sunday to remain at the top of the table.

A Matso Matebele old boy, Nzenze Nkulu, got one over his former paymasters when he opened the scoring but the Mafeteng responded through Tsietsi Motšeare.

Moloisane Masimong, who produced a man of the match performance, gave Bantu the lead for the first time in the game but Matlama equalised through Motebang Sera.

However, substitute, Litšepe Marabe and Tsietsi Khooa ensured the day belonged to the league champions with the third and fourth goals for their side.

The result enabled A Matšo Matebele to maintain their two point advantage over fierce rivals, Lioli who have a game in hand.

Bantu have amassed 26 points from 11 games.

Matlama slipped from to fourth from third after their defeat.

They were overtaken by LDF who posted a 2-0 victory over winless Sky Battalion at Ratjomose Barracks.

In-form Tšepo Toloane was once again among the goals scorers as the Motheo Mohapi’s side clichéd their fifth win of the campaign in 10 games.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Kick4Life produced one of their best performances this season with a 3-0 demolition of inconsistent Linare at LCS Ground.

Tšepang Ntsenyane broke the deadlock for Leslie Notši’s side before Khubetsoana Kamela completed the rout with a brace.

The win lifted Kick4Life to sixth after a poor start to the campaign.

They now have collected 15 points from 10 games with four wins, three draws and three defeats.

On Saturday, Lioli beat LMPS 2-1 victory to temporarily move to the top of the table.

Tšoanelo Koetle and Tumelo Khutlang scored for Tse Nala while Roboama Koloti got the face saver for the police side who have now lost three of their last games and consequently dropped out of the top eight.

Majantja also bounced from the tragic loss of coach Motlatsi Shale who died last Thursday by beating Liphakoe 2-1 courtesy of goals from Kekeletso Snyder and Thakalekoala Mohapi.

Setho Moshoeshoe scored the consolation goal for Liphakoe.

Majantja are in seventh position while Liphakoe are fifth.

New boys Sefotha-fotha caused the biggest upset of the weekend beating LCS 1-0 at LCS Ground on Saturday.

Moalosi Makhetha scored the only goal to hand the rookies their second win of the season.

Mikia Kalati

TRIBUTES continue to pour in following the death of former national team striker and Majantja coach, Motlatsi Shale.

Shale died last Thursday after a short illness.

The 41 year-old Tšenola-born striker, who had an illustrious career winning league titles both as a player and coach, has been described by many as a man who was very passionate about the game and courted controversy for his outspokenness.

Popularly known as ‘Sebota’, Shale was also a member of the Likuena squad that reached the final of the regional COSAFA Cup in 2000 which they lost to Zimbabwe.

His career took off at Majantja while he was still in high school. He also played for Liphakoe, Matlama and Bloemfontein Celtic in the South African premiership before further spells with Likhopo and LCS.

Speaking with the Lesotho Times on Tuesday, Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) Secretary General, Mokhosi Mohapi, said while the loss was “imaginable and unbearable”, they would have to make peace with it.

“The loss is imaginable, unbearable and sadly irreplaceable to say the least,” Mohapi said.

“It is never a good thing to lose a person so well esteemed by his peers and the football fraternity at large.

“Shale touched football enthusiasts in many ways. He represented the country several times and he was always dedicated and ensured that he performed to the best of his ability. He was always a beacon of hope when he took to the field.

“He had a smooth transition from playing to coaching. He was among the best practical sessions in most of the coaching courses that he attended.  It did not come as a surprise that he won many trophies with Bantu FC as a coach.  He also did very well with the other clubs that he coached.”

Mohapi also spoke of Shale’s love for the national team supporters.

“This love was shown in 2007/8 when Likuena traveled to Botswana for the COSAFA games and the South African immigration officials took time to clear their entry into that country.

“Never one to shy away from approaching anyone he stood up for the supporters and the whole issue was dealt with.  Even in Botswana he ensured that everyone was settled and even on the return trip he was just as helpful.

“Shale courted controversy at times due to his outspoken nature. He once had a go at the association for appointing a certain coach. He voiced his concern and some thought he hated the coach which was not the case and he was always there to support the team.

“The Lesotho Football Association and the football fraternity have lost a shining star. May his family and friends find solace knowing that whatever that happens with our lives is in the hands of the Lord above.”

Former national team coach, Leslie Notši, who coached Shale during his playing days at Matlama, said he was saddened by the death of his protégé who made a smooth transition to coaching from playing.

“I worked with him as the coach at Matlama when we won the league and went on to play in the African Champions League. One thing I remember about is that he was very passionate about the game.

“As a player, he was a fighter and I always admired the way he gave his all for the game.

“He contributed a lot in my growth as a coach that is why even after moving into coaching he advised the management of Bantu to bring me on board as the technical advisor ahead of participating of the continental competition.”

Notši also credited Shale with developing young players, saying his death was “a big loss to the country”.

“He did well at Likhopo and Bantu as a coach and I believe he played a big role in the growth of our football.

“He played for the national team and went to play in South Africa and I believe he has left footprints in the game and we have to thank and honour him for as a country.”

Shale’s close friend and former teammate, Mpitsa Marai, said their relationship dated back to their school days at Masitise High School. The duo also rose through the ranks together, playing for the junior and ultimately senior national teams.

Marai was also Shale’s assistant when they led Bantu to their first ever league title during the 2013/14 season.

“He might have got his chance with the senior team before me but I later joined the squad and we continued with our friendship.

“That is how I became his best man when he got married and we teamed up again at Bantu. Even when we attended coaching courses I was always his roommate.”

Marai also described his late friend as an outspoken figure who was always full of jokes.

“He was a straight forward guy who called everything like it was and this aspect of his character was still there when I visited him in hospital.

“Our football association has lost a man that deserved to coach the national teams. He was a warrior who lived and loved the beautiful game,” Marai said.

’Marafaele Mohloboli

TWO senior Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) officers have been suspended pending the outcome of police investigations into a possible breach of security at the Maseru Central Prison after a safe containing the keys of the correctional facility was allegedly tampered with.

The Acting Commissioner of Lesotho Correctional Services, Thabang Mothepu, disclosed this at a press conference yesterday in Maseru.

Commissioner Mothepu said the two officers “of the rank of superintendent and assistant superintendent have been interdicted pending investigations into this matter”.

He said they had also engaged the police and National Security Services (NSS) as well as an independent expert to ascertain whether or not the safe could still be used.

Some well-placed sources allege this could have been an inside job which has potentially far-reaching consequences for the security of the institution given that some of the high profile inmates currently in custody include the murder-accused former army commander, Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli.

Police spokesperson, Inspector Mpiti Mopeli, this week confirmed to the Lesotho Times that they had received a report from the Lesotho Correctional Service of the incident which reportedly occurred on Monday.

“Police are busy investigating a case in which the safe that contains the keys to all the holding cells in the Maseru Central Prison could have been tampered with,” Inspector Mopeli said, adding, “This became apparent when the institution’s boss tried in vain to open the safe on Monday”.

Inspector Mopeli however, said nothing had been taken from the safe.

For his part, Lesotho Correctional Services Spokesperson, Superintendent Neo Mopeli, said, “The District Commander found that the safe had been tampered with upon arrival on Monday when he wanted to access the safe which is protected by a secret code of numbers”.

“It was when access was denied that he realised there were some scratch marks on the seal.

“However, no suspects have been arrested in connection with this incident but we are banking on police investigations as it is a security matter that needs handling with utmost caution,” Sup. Mopeli said.

Lt-Gen Kamoli is in custody awaiting trial over the murder of police Sub-Inspector Mokheseng Ramahloko who was fatally shot during the 30 August 2014 attempted coup against the first government of Prime Minister Thomas Thabane.

A number of soldiers, under Lt-Gen Kamoli’s command, stormed various police stations and seized arms they claimed were to be used against civilians at a Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) rally that same weekend. However, Dr Thabane’s government charged that Lt-Gen Kamoli launched his coup attempt in reaction to his dismissal by the Prime Minister a day earlier.

Three other army officers namely, Captain Litekanyo Nyakane (38), Lance Corporal Motloheloa Ntsane (34) and Lance Corporal Leutsoa Motsieloa (31) are charged with Lt-Gen Kamoli with the murder of Sub-Inspector Ramahloko. The three are in detention with Lt-Gen Kamoli at the Maseru Maximum Prison.

In addition, Lt-Gen also faces 14 attempted murder charges stemming from the 27 January 2014 simultaneous bombings of the Moshoeshoe II homes of First Lady Maesiah Thabane, one ‘Mamoshoeshoe Moletsane, and the Ha Abia residence of former police commissioner Khothatso Tšooana.

The former army commander originally applied for bail on 20 October this year but his hopes of freedom were shattered last month when High Court judge Justice Teboho Moiloa ruled that his submission that he suffers from influenza had failed to demonstrate to the court that there were exceptional circumstances that warranted his release on bail as required by law.

Other high ranking officials who are also in custody are police officers, Senior Superintendent Thabo Tšukulu, Senior Inspector Mabitle Matona, Sub Inspector Haleokoe Taasoane and Inspector Mothibeli Mofolo. They also face charges in connection with the murder of Police Constable Mokalekale Khetheng.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Mothepu issued a stern warning to faceless people including one Facebook account holder, Liralitjamme, who was in the habit of posting on issues concerning the administration of the correctional services.

“No one is entitled to give any information pertaining to the administration of this institution and we shall do everything to ensure the safety of the inmates. Anyone who is found guilty shall face the consequences.”

Commissioner Mothepu also dismissed allegations that some of the correctional officers salute some of the inmates who used to serve in the LDF or were prominent in the society.

“This is not true and there is no way anyone who is in custody can be saluted because the minute they are admitted the veil of veneration falls off,” he said.