Maseru
Social media speculation over the weekend about the arrest of Tsikoane Peshoane, Executive Director of the Transformation Resource Centre, has drawn renewed attention to the circumstances under which he was detained by Mafeteng police and later appeared before the Mafeteng Magistrate’s Court.
Peshoane appeared in court on 29 December 2025 in connection with an alleged refusal to submit to an alcohol breathalyser test at a police roadblock. Some online reports further claimed that he was released on “free bail” and instructed to return to court on 14 January 2026.
In an interview with Lesotho Tribune, Peshoane disputed several aspects of the narrative circulating publicly and offered his account of the events that led to his arrest.
According to Peshoane, the incident occurred on the afternoon of 28 December, while he was driving from Mafeteng to Maseru. He says he was stopped at a police roadblock near the old Post Office building in Mafeteng and then left without explanation by the officer in charge.
He claims he exited his vehicle to follow the officer and seek clarity, at which point he was ordered to take an alcohol breath test. Peshoane says he did not refuse the test but raised concerns about the hygiene of the breathalyser device and requested that the matter be handled at a police station instead of at the roadside.
His objections, he alleges, were met with hostility, with officers accusing him of “knowing too much”.
After an exchange at the roadblock, Peshoane says he was instructed to drive himself to the police station, accompanied by officers.
“I questioned why a person suspected of drinking and driving would be allowed to drive himself to the station,” Peshoane said, adding that his suggestion to be transported in a police vehicle was dismissed.
Upon arrival at the station, Peshoane alleges he was verbally abused and detained without being informed of his rights or the charge against him. He says he was placed in a holding cell and only learned of the charge the following day after being transferred to another police station near Van Rooyen.
Peshoane says he was then informed that he was being charged with refusing to comply with the law by not taking the alcohol test and was told he would appear before court on Monday.
He further described holding cell conditions as overcrowded, initially housing about 19 detainees, and said he later experienced what he perceived as humiliating public attention during visiting hours.
According to Peshoane, he was also forcibly photographed by police despite informing them that his lawyer had instructed that no images be taken or posted on social media.
“Those photographs were taken without my consent,” he said. “I was manhandled and forced to comply.”
When the matter came before the Magistrate on Monday, Peshoane says his lawyer objected to the manner of his arrest and detention, questioned the police’s authority to administer breathalyser tests, and requested that the case be transferred to Maseru.
The Magistrate excused Peshoane from further proceedings and ordered him and his legal team to return to court on 14 January 2026 for the matter to be addressed.
Peshoane has been charged under Section 94 of the Road Safety Act of 1981. He maintains that he did not refuse the breathalyser test but questioned its hygienic handling, and disputes claims that he was released on free bail.
“I was not released on bail because I was never remanded,” he said. “I remain without a criminal or bail record.”
Police response
Lesotho Tribune made repeated efforts to obtain comment from the Mafeteng police regarding Peshoane’s arrest, the allegations of abuse, and the procedures followed at the roadblock and during detention.
By the time of publication, police had not responded to requests for comment.
What happens next
Peshoane is expected to return to court on 14 January 2026, where the Magistrate is expected to determine the way forward. He has indicated his intention to challenge both the manner of his arrest and the broader legal framework governing breathalyser testing and police conduct at roadblocks.
