Lesotho Mounted Police Service has arrested the outspoken Leader of Opposition, Hon. Machesetsa Mofomobe. Mofomobe is the leader of Basotho National Party (BNP).
Well placed officers within the police service, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to engage with the media, said the arrest was not an isolated police action. According to them, Commissioner of Police Borotho Matsoso was given firm instructions by those at the centre of power to find a reason to detain Machesetsa.
One of the sources said the leadership wanted him arrested by any means. The source described mounting pressure on the Commissioner and said Machesetsa was viewed as a growing irritation to the regime.
The opposition leader has in recent months intensified criticism of the government, calling out secrecy, alleged corruption and what he says is a slide toward authoritarian behaviour. His arrest will likely deepen tensions and raise concern among civil society groups that have already warned about declining political tolerance in the country.
Attempts to obtain an official comment from the police were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
This is a developing story.
