Maseru- Lesotho is reeling from revelations of corruption within the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) following the discovery that R40 million has gone missing in the last few months. The scandal, which unfolded between August and September 2024, has brought to light severe lapses in financial management and security, sparking swift action from the RSL and the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO).
RSL Commissioner General Mathabo Mokoko addressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Corruption within the ranks of RSL does not only erode public trust but also hampers our capacity to generate the much-needed revenue to fund essential Government services.”
She emphasized that this crisis threatens the integrity of the RSL’s mission to foster a fair tax environment and enable vital government funding.
The missing millions, now under intense scrutiny, were discovered as part of a larger internal investigation spearheaded by the RSL in collaboration with the DCEO. Mokoko shared that investigations had led to the suspension and prosecution of several RSL employees implicated in the scheme. These developments are part of a broader anti-corruption strategy outlined in the organization’s ‘Lesokoana’ Strategy 2024-2027, which was launched in December 2023 and implemented in April 2024.
According to Mokoko, this plan aims to combat systemic corruption within the RSL while fostering a transparent and accountable tax system.
She remarked, “The RSL cannot successfully fulfil its mandate of enabling government funding when some of its officials in collusion with corrupt taxpayers are diverting public resources for personal gain.”
The Commissioner General revealed that over a dozen employees and former employees of the RSL had already been arrested and charged with corruption, bribery, and money laundering. Last week, six individuals were arraigned at the Leribe/Maputsoe Magistrate Court, namely, ‘Mabareki Hlabathe, Tséliso Mokhethi, KhalaneMoletsane, Atang Leleka, Tlholohelo Ramajoe, and Likeleli Sebeko.
She further indicated that on Friday 20th September 2024, seven more appeared in the Maseru Magistrate Court earlier today, all facing charges of corruption and embezzlement, which are ‘Mampe Thene, Thabo Matsinyane, Lebopa Monaheng, Majara Mapeshoane, Molebatsi Motsamai, ‘Makeketso Thulo, and LebohangRant’seli.
The DCEO has also played a key role in this operation. Director General Knorx Molelle addressed the public’s concerns by pointing out the extent of the corruption, which he described as ‘trade-based money laundering.’
He explained that these criminal activities involved collusion between corporate entities, particularly in the textile and mining sectors, to siphon off substantial funds through cross-border schemes.
“There was a cross-border element that makes us aware that a fair amount of funds are being siphoned out of the country,” Molelle said, warning that such activities were depriving Lesotho of vital resources needed for public services.
The state, which has been struggling to keep its financial footing in recent years, has been severely impacted by these losses. Molelle emphasized the DCEO’s commitment to tracking down all those involved in the scandal, asserting, “Any of those involved in corrupt practices, that has the effect of depriving our citizens of their entitled resources, we are soon going to catch up.”
In response to the mounting public outrage, the RSL has pledged to continue rooting out corruption within its ranks. The Commissioner General reiterated the organization’s zero-tolerance policy, stating, “Any employee found engaged in corrupt practices shall face the full might of the law.”
The joint efforts between the RSL and the DCEO are expected to intensify in the coming months, with both institutions aiming to recover all misappropriated funds and redirect them back into the public coffers.
Mokoko also took the opportunity to commend the honest, hard-working employees of the RSL who have remained committed to their duties during this difficult time.
“We urge the taxpaying community and all members of the public to continue supporting our institutions by reporting suspicious activities. All reported allegations or suspicious conduct will be thoroughly investigated and acted upon without fear, favour, or prejudice,” she said.
As the investigation unfolds, the RSL remains resolute in its mission to foster a fair and transparent tax system for all. The collaboration with the DCEO marks a significant step in restoring public trust and ensuring that Lesotho’s public resources are safeguarded for the benefit of its citizens.
